Looking for some clarity, and I apologize in advance because I know it can be frustrating to field such questions/comments.

You say:

"I don't purport to know how the SEC goes about handling such investigations, but it seems unlikely that, in view of all of the factors mentioned above, undoubtedly among others, the SEC would investigate trading activity without going past the surface and looking at the broader picture. Almost certainly, at a very minimum, any traders accused of such activities would raise all such factors in their defense, and then the horses are out of the gate."

First, I strongly suspect that the SEC is organized like any other large investigative/bureaucratic organization and is segmented with divisions focused on the various types of allegations that may come. For Agora or posters here, the focus would be on their participation in manipulative behavior, and the appropriate division assigned focusing their attention on the allegations against Agora/posters.

You suggest that those posters that may have participated in the manipulation of PTSC stock, if suspect or accused, would blame their activity on business decisions made by PTSC management/BoD? First, as I suggested to ease and prior, IMO the Agora problems have nothing to do with PTSC. Second, the manipulation here is not consistent with that suggested in the allegations against Agora. IMO here it's been more buy, wait for news, sell, bash, buy, wait for news, sell, bash, etc. The "pumping" is virtually absent, unless PTO actions and selling licenses is considered "pumping".

As for those found suspect/accused of PTSC stock manipulation via this board blaming someone/anything else for their behavior, I strongly suspect the investigators have heard the "I'm innocent", "It's someone/anything else's fault" and "The devil made me do it" before. Ask any cop. Better yet, catch "Bait Car" on TV - classic denials when caught red-handed.

I just find the connection remote and the extension of investigation as you suggest even more remote.

And if it transpired as you suggest it could, is there a problem?

The only problem I would have is the very probable damage to the PPS if the SEC initiated action on PTSC - regardless of outcome. We could easily come out squeaky clean, but the damage will have been done.

And every time there is talk of "questionable" behavior by PTSC management/BoD, I wonder why - if there were anything to it - people think they would be so stupid as not to have thoroughly covered their respective behinds? I mean really, they're supposedly smart enough to pull the oft-alleged off, but they're stupid in covering? IMO, IF there were anything "there", it won't be found. And I honestly don't believe there's anything "solid" there.

Perhaps you could provide some clarity if you choose.... If not, I won't be offended or anything. I'd actually prefer the thread to end. And Agora's issues should be discussed on the OT forum IMO.

FWIW,

SGE