In our review meetings where we rank our peeps, the discussion regarding retention bonus (RSUs) is simple. The idea is to leave Qualcomm in position where employees are discouraged from resigning before Qualcomm is ready for them to go. The exception are those we do not feel would be a hardship for Qualcomm if they left, usually low performers, those can receive no RSU incentive. Otherwise everyone gets RSUs.
If Qualcomm later gets rid of peeps, severance packages are offered, so the retention bonus is not really totally lost. The person who posted he lost $100k received severance which offset that loss, so you have to do the math to know the true loss or gain.
Be your own CEO. If you love your job and pay, stay put, be happy, don't worry. If you are not a happy camper, find a new job in today's hot job market and you will be glad you did. Qualcomm has become a stressful, aka hostile, workplace. Qualcomm is on hard times and cannot offer you job security, don't bury your head in the ground.
About me, been at Q for almost 30 years, to damn long to care about much of anything substantial, other than those who I manage. I tell my own peeps they matter to me, and give them my best advice, focused on them, not on Qualcomm. I offer you my same same perspective on this topic.
Thought this was some good advice even though this is a reply to another thread by @XlIm9sv-ejr