I've had the same experience sinbob. Ever since I got in to investing, I've heard about the coming drying up of silver supplies, the collapse of the Comex, and silver going parabolic (gold too, but not as much). But I think everyone underestimated the resources the JPMs of the world can draw on- they have a seemingly infinite ability to issue paper without worrying about the consequences. I do think we are getting nearer to the time when all the predictions come true, but trying to predict the timing is useless, and investing based on predictions of the timing will teach you some expensive lessons very quickly. Unless you're a nimble trader, best to invest for the long term and sit back and watch.