Are you saying that the RSU portion of the compensation is only taxed at the rate of long term capital gains? If so, that's not the case. RSUs are taxed as or

Are you saying that the RSU portion of the compensation is only taxed at the rate of long term capital gains? If so, that's not the case. RSUs are taxed as ordinary income at the time they vest. You won't realize a gain or loss until you sell them. Whether that's long term or short term depends on how long you hold after vesting. You are very correct about the RSU carrot, though.