@cookiedude, mate, it took me a while to figure out what are you...

@cookiedude, mate, it took me a while to figure out what are you trying to tell me. Yes, you are right, If you buy now, you have 3 weeks to come up with the money to convert, although I would not leave it till the last minute. By the time you buy and get your shares, and get your holding through Automic etc. And yes, if you are a skilful and competent trader, you can use the fluctuation of options to your advantage. But I would not advise it to a novice.

What is the benefit of being able to claim that you got your shares for nothing - I am not sure. Certainly not for the taxman.

As for the trolls, I have 4 of them on "ignore". And the fifth one is asking for it. (Not you)

As for my post, it seems to me that there are some people who do not quite understand how options work. - just trying to warn/help them. This is what this forum should be all about.