Well Span, he bought 2.65 million shares and 2.5 million options in the market last financial year. Options are inherently more risky than shares so all he was doing was ratcheting up his risk profile. The options weren't cut price when he got them, he paid full market price for them (and he will have to pay a whole lot more to convert them into shares come September next year). So not really a 'cop out'. If he can turn OEX around before the options expire then his gamble will pay off big time but he needs one hell of a jump in share price to achieve that. If he can't turn OEX around before expiry they become worthless but the shares he bought will retain some value.
Options risky, shares safe (relatively speaking). Let's see if there will be any director buying once flow rates are announced. I doubt they are allowed to buy right now.
OEX Price at posting:
6.5¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held