And therein lies the conceptual issue. If you happen to be rich,...

And therein lies the conceptual issue. If you happen to be rich, as defined by asic's version of 'sophisticated', you get preferential treatment and the ability to attain stock (and sell out again) well before any average investor gets an opportunity. This is clearly wrong and defies the premise of an equal trading platform (as does bot trading etc etc).

However, there is no doubt that it can be beneficial for companies looking for quick cash to continue their operations. Patersons are acting completely within the law and have made it an art form which is why they get so much business for their clients. Whether it is ethical is another matter but when has ethics ever played a part when money and power is involved?