The board and directors are accountable to us, the shareholders,...

The board and directors are accountable to us, the shareholders, not the other way around. We choose what they will and won't get - don't be suckered into thinking otherwise.

If we let them get away with this sort of thing, they'll keep pulling these stunts. IMO - We need to express our disappointment with their performance and outrage at this attempted piss-take. It shows contempt for shareholders.

I'll be voting No to the freebies.