Yeah I don't really see it as either an artificial or abnormal...

Yeah I don't really see it as either an artificial or abnormal pressure though. A buyback is an expression of confidence in the company's prospects. Seems very unlikely they would disregard or go against what their internal data is showing them, especially since the most recently reported financials suggest a turnaround in play as well.

Of course this also sends a positive signal to the market and generates some confidence / enthusiasm, but we shouldn't pretend that it is based on nothing.

Sell the news always happens with this stock but that is actually a much more artificial SP phenomenon IMO. If the news is good, come back and see where the SP is 2 weeks later.