I will expand on your interpretation of;

1)"The first is that St Elias Mines offered the Hastmens 2 board seats. While not a majority it would still have given the concerned shareholders a voice and communication directly with the management team. I view the refusal of this offer as a betrayal."

1)Considering the non transparency and quick defensive tactics of SLI management, like announcing a preposterous 100 million PP just before the AGM, the Hastmans intelligence persevered and displayed their knowledge of how boards work. It is conceived, that 2 directors on a board of 5 can easily be fired or removed by present management and reinforced by a 3-2 vote against the Hastmans. That is why the ridiculous offer of two positions was no, because it could not have been secured. I view the rejection of this offer absolutely not a betrayal, but rather a very professional and considerable position in regards to the interests of shareholders. We know what we are dealing with here. :)

2)After having lost there was never a need to go to court. The simple remedy was for a group of concerned shareholders to request a special meeting and vote to remove the named directors. We wasted so much time and money when there was a cheaper, faster, alternative on the table.

2) Much was learned from this court battle, and although some may not perceive as such, it was far more valuable than to have not gone. It revealed to shareholders a bit of how the courts work and the ludicracy incurred by investors in these markets, in the course of trying to protect themselves. Was there really a cheaper and faster way?, perhaps, but I am not so sure as it would have been. We have to keep in mind here the power that we were up against, that perhaps then, could heavily influence things and effectively use influence. Defencive tactics could have been assumed in this strategy as well, with no clinched result in the favour of the shareholders.

3) Does that not infuriate anyone else?

3) Why would we be so infuriated at what happened? This is kinda stagnant to perceive what happened in this manner. By being infuriated, it blinds you and keeps you encapsulated in a realm of agression, which is fear based, and can keep you dwelling on something that prevents you from moving forward. I suggest to appreciate the lessons learned, and move forward with that extra knowledge and utilize the dynamics in future proceedings, should one choose. If we hadn,t spent that money, we never would have had the valuable experience that helps to solidify our present position, priceless. :)