Mal.. all due respect but I don't think you understand options... reality is they are not free when you pay $2.50 for a share that is worth $2.08 (a 42c loss) to qualify for the entitlement.
Lets say you converted your free options right away to heads for $2.50 . Another 42c loss!
Either way you are 17% underwater. Not an attractive investment or trade when you give money away like that at the very beginning.