A confusing symbol or name will affect the stock if people don?t know it. It?s a little more likely it will get lost when doing research. As an investor relations guy, you want every small thing in your favor. As an investor, I?d much prefer AT&T being ATT.
There's going to be a lot of disappointed people tomorrow. But the stock won't be doubled. If they do miss the window it won't be the end of the world.
Retail investors are notorious for not getting paper filings because they are difficult to obtain. Most people buy something with no clue as to what they are buying.