I suppose a lot in trying to find a stock that will appreciate from the time you buy might predispose you to taking a look at the number of shares out as well. I guess that is a perception that I have along with a lot of others as per your post.

I would be worried about a reverse split, and even though one should in a perfect world look and be lucky enough "to find stocks that will appreciate from the time you buy instead of the concern with the actual price of the share at the time", I have a great deal of trouble doing that........it's like trying to rotate your right foot clockwise and write the letter 6 in the air with your right hand. I think I have that right, but I am left handed, might be the other way around.........:).

So many things make a stock move, and no matter right or wrong, I would be concerned about perception, not everyone is able to be able to do what you are asking, and that could be a downfall. Perhaps..........:)

vermillion