"there are several hundred of stocks that have delivered 7,8 9, and times their initial value as of the first of the year."
Consider where those issues were two to three years prior. You speak the truth with respect to your snapshot. There were plenty of great buys at their lows...and those with the intestinal fortitude to buy near the lows with exceptionally high market uncertainty did quite well. For those who bought a few years prior, not such a good investment.
Where is EDIG now and what are its current prospects? That's the bet and many have stepped up to the window to place their respective wagers.