Agree. Even if Richard did step aside I feel he would still be...

Agree. Even if Richard did step aside I feel he would still be actively mentoring Brandon and just as involved however not on an official capacity. The naysayers would still find a way to say 'yeah Brandon is the CEO but you can tell it's Richard pulling the strings'. My take on it is stay as CEO, let Richard take the criticism, he is a grown man and I would suspect most of these allegations and people bringing up an indiscretion from 10+ years ago are water off a ducks back. Guide Brandon and place the right people around him, short and long term, locally and globally. Let him learn how to deal with all various situations without having to be on the 'front line' so speak, remember, in business terms Brandon is still very young and green, he has accomplished so much more than most his age. Few years down the track hand the company over to him officially, take his nice payout and live comfortably off the dividends of BIG. Obviously all subject to resolving the current issue at hand.