This thread would be hilarious if it wasn't so sad. Well, maybe it remains hilarious anyways.
What I want to rant about is the whole references system in the MP. I personally hate it when someone uses my name without asking me first. This is a Skype message I sent to someone who used my name without permission (I read his OP and inquired him about it. He then asked me if I would post in his thread :
[X/X/201X 9:54:51 AM] Andressoprano: I prefer not to post. When I posted on XXXX and XXXX thread I could go over the top bc they sent back tons of money with no problem. I don't talk about the players' skill, I just make sure people knows they can trust them with a lot of money. With you I'm sure it'd be fine but we haven't had the chance yet.
In 2010 my main backer was a very well known player, investor and entreperneur; during that year I sent back close to 300K in profits + managed a group of players who made over 200K more, and even so I remember asking him for his written permission when I wanted to use him as a reference (he ended up saying "you don't have to ask me every time Andres". Probably he really meant "dude, I already told you, don't waste my time")
I know a reference doesn't mean a vouch, but you don't get to use me as one just because we did a couple swaps or I bought your action a few times. Have you sent back significant amounts of money? If you haven't (maybe because the situation didn't arise), you haven't being tested with my money, hence all I can possibly say is "I know this guy, he's cool and funny but I can't provide any information about how trustworthy he is". I'm pretty sure most people would prefer it if I don't post instead...
I understand many MP sellers would have difficult times getting their action out there without dropping some names, but building a reputation requires time and patience, something apparently many young guns don't have. In the long run it'll be their loss.