It's probably the least fiddleable of the lot. Share buybacks are a sign that the directors of a company are not only in it for themselves, they also have their shareholders' interests in their mind. Not that common in publically quoted companies.
Depends as buying back shares tends to increase share price. If management set with getting share price to a certain price for their options to kick it then then may take that option.
Not suggesting its anything like the case with FR but never rule out anything with anybody and never get shocked.