dollar 10 then what, page-11

You just contradicted yourself hard there madder.

Wouldnt they be better off launching a bid when the stock is at its lows?
If they keep buying little bits, traders and investors will catch on and they will drive the price up... Meaning if Glencore does launch a full bid, they will have to pay more.
They would be better off launching a bid while the share price is down, not up.

Good operators??
Just because they are "professionals" doesnt mean they get every investment right. They are human like you or I and you'd be hard pressed to find any investor who has never lost money on a trade. It happens to everyone... apart from the Buff.