Most big companies, of this type, do their lobbying, unseen...behind closed 6doors, where they can "stack the deck" and "grease required palms" with the regulators and politicians...where it really counts. They normally have no public face, but employ others to state their case... in their defence...when needed, and not normally at any point before.

While it is a sure thing they will know what goes on in public meeting, it is not viewed in their strategic interests to attend open public meetings, where they could be subject to one, or more unpredictable, uncontrolable and embarassing questions.

You are just viewing the situation from your perspective, not theirs. While you may see it as a missed opportunity for them, they would likely see the meeting as a "no gain scenario" in the overall picture. Public opinion is only a factor if it is likely to influence those who matter (listed in my first sentence). As long as the public has a underlying need for the product, and government the taxes, royalities, and political contributions, IMO, don't expect much to change. People vent at public meetings, and feel good (and look good) for doing it. But, it normally has little impact beyond that.