And to add, this analogy between "pro" and "slot machine" is more apt than it may first appear. In fact, in Vegas there is a new crop of Texas Hold'em slots that function with AI (not to mention the Draw Poker slot games). Many people find it more interesting to play against "pros" because they also get to play against "amateurs", but more so because they are able to interact and "play" with their environment in a way that is more stimulating, in a game that is more stimulating. And, in poker, there's always going to be someone who's in the top 5%, and be able to consistently remain there in the local game.
My question would be if one were to say slots were social (as the market believes it is, which is intrinsically social), and "pros" are not, then why do all these people prefer poker over slots? And if slots are not social, is there this billion dollar industry based on unproductivity? Doesn't that just seem like a massive contradiction?
*** Poker AI Slot Machine Linkies ***
http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/29...holdem-895984/
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/08/ma...-computer.html
Now, I can get not wanting to be a traveling walking talking socialable slot machine as a career choice, which you know, perhaps someone can come-up with a better analogy, because it doesn't sound like a lot of fun that way, but it's the strongest analogy I can come-up with. And, slot machines are plenty productive, imo, especially ones that know how to travel.
I hope that fleshes out my arguments on this a little more, and clarifies my thoughts.
Last edited by leavesofliberty; 07-08-2017 at 02:46 AM.