This is really not a stock split, it is a swap, 1 share of AMC for 1 share of VMC when approved for trading. The option owner are placing there bets and it up to them to guess right on the timing. As an option trader myself I understand their concerns.
Sure, I'm just thinking that scenario might help us think along the correct lines. I'm wondering if it would be up to the exchange where Surprise bought the options to rule a decision on expiry date or the strike?
Edit: added ' or the strike'