You can calculate approximately how much of that growth was from buybacks, because it is near the same as if the company had spent the money on dividends instea

You can calculate approximately how much of that growth was from buybacks, because it is near the same as if the company had spent the money on dividends instead except the money was rolled into the stock price instead of disbursed. So again, not very much. Stock grants vs bonuses is irrelevant other than that you are forced to hold grants for longer. Also irrelevant is how much the price has appreciated due to other factors. Are you certain it isn't yourself who is conflating issues?