Market Maker = Investment Bank = "the banks" = where we get analyst coverage. Analyst coverage is a good thing that we need to have here. Whether anyone wants to recognize that or not, analysts have the ear of institutions who buy shares based on recommendations from analysts. They use the detailed research in the analyst report to help frame their investment thesis. "The Banks" need to be able to generate money fro this service - that is how they get paid - commission on a deal and spread on being the Market Maker.

Even the marvellous fruit company had one - all companies deal with them. I know we all get a negative opinion - primarily from some of the stories about the great face sucking vampire squid.