Of course you're right re:equity. Very few non-founder chairmen hold equivalent equity (in percent), and very few founder chairmen hold equivalent equity (in dollars).
But it's impossible to know Bill's level of commitment. If we use Ballmer's tenure as an indicator of Gates' direction from above... then asking Bill to step down is as obvious as a (forced) resignation by Ballmer. I think the investors (who own 1/20th of the company as well) are rightfully concerned. Didn't Gates pick Ballmer as his successor?
But it's impossible to know Bill's level of commitment. If we use Ballmer's tenure as an indicator of Gates' direction from above... then asking Bill to step down is as obvious as a (forced) resignation by Ballmer. I think the investors (who own 1/20th of the company as well) are rightfully concerned. Didn't Gates pick Ballmer as his successor?