Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe I read somewhere that the underwriter(s) were allowed a certain percentage to actually short some shares up front, gradually, to enable them to better stabilize the post split/uplist share price.

I know they have some great tactics at their disposal to help move and maintain the pps above the minimum by a much wider margin. Once set up, all they need do is open the flood gates, actually covering at market ask.

The results of this may not be seen until after the offering is closed, but at that point it seems they would follow through with any or all of the tactics that the SEC allows.