[tptacek]

It wouldn't be surprising if they did sign the letter, and it wouldn't take peer pressure to make it happen. People can have concerns about a manager's style or a leadership culture and still not want to have years of lucrative equity comp erased overnight by the board's reaction to those concerns.

[himaraya]

I'd still find the added context insightful. They went to the board alleging psychological abuse, so I assume they understood the board would at least consider removing Sam.

[tptacek]

Sure, and it's entirely possible for them to have changed their mind once they saw how contingent the whole company was on his remaining.