No one is arguing that the oft-stated assertion that the first year cost of complying with Section 404 is sky high. Evidence makes it clear that the administrative burden of compliance is significant enough for most companies to warrant a review of strategies and tactics for maximizing value-add from the compliance process. While the SOX-stated purpose of protecting investors by improving the reliability for public reporting is an important goal, both executive management and directors are asking tough questions. This document provides a sampling of these questions.