Yes of course his bonus could have been put back into the salaries of other ee's and benefitted them. What is really happening: BD was brought on to pare down the company, break it up and sell it. Of course he came in saying that we are going to rebuild. Did you expect him to say "I was brought in to pare down the company, break it up and sell it"? The stock would have tanked. That's why bonuses are awarded in the midst of RIF's - management has been told to reduce staff. They do their job to move the company towards the goal of sale and they get rewarded. If this had not been going on for some time, I would say that it is a different situation. Look, I am not trying to be mean or depressing here, but look at all that has been going on, is going on, and most likely will be going on.
The frustration comes about when an ee wants the company to do one thing (recover) but the company is moving toward a sale.
I was RIF'd several years back, before it became "fashionable" to wait it out and take your package. We were at a time when it was believed that a turn around could happen.
But watching AIG from a distance now, it looks apparent that the path AIG is taking is clear.
So, what to do? Wait for your package if you have a good deal coming. Hang in there. It's worth it. If you don't have enough time, start looking. There are many companies out there hiring.
So accept the situation, plan alternatives and move forward accordingly.