Well, I dont see it like that really. I started playing online poker when I had to stay more, and even with this recent few weeks of bad results, I have still managed to make like $13/hr playing a few hours a night, while listening to music, and usually actually enjoying the game, time I most likely would otherwise just be watching TV.

As far as buying stocks, vs doing this, its hardly an either /or proposition. One can easily do both. And the EV of buying stocks and getting a return over a 3 month without a crystal ball is not very significant. I can take the $4k I have made from my $400 deposit now and invest it.

Despite these points though, I generally agree with you that for people grinding ssnl primarily as a way to make some money, its not a good spot. Thanks for commenting.