Quote:
Originally Posted by Korn
Again, take a look at ArtySmoke's example here. Also, if I'm not mistaken, it's a common experience here that grinder-unfriendly poker rooms seem to be fishier on average, which would show that the "auto-adjustment of the fish/shark" ratio you mention above does not happen.
It's interesting that you linked to my post in the other thread. I would like to point out that that was written
before Pokerstars changed its rake/reward structure. I've not read everything that Stars reps have said about the changes, but I believe they at least hinted - if not said outright - that one of the reasons they've changed the system is that deposits are not coming in as much as they used to and that players are no longer moving up the levels like they once did.
I believe that the majority of microstakes players on Stars make a couple of deposits, find out the games are too tough, and then leave the site to play elsewhere, or give up poker entirely. Stars has the same few SNEs each year, and these have been drains on the company's profits.
I've not seen the precise numbers, but I presume Pokerstars has re-balanced its system precisely because it thinks altering the eco-system is good for the company's long-term future. It's addressed the "top-heavy" structure of the rewards. In effect, it is now going to reward the winners (withdrawers) less, and will try harder to attract more depositors. It is depositors (losers) that create liquidity, not winners.
There is little to no "secret value" of winners. Winners take money from poker companies. Fish are much more valuable, to both the grinders and the site itself.