High frequency trading is a curse. "Fortunately" it only works with highly liquid stocks - NOT the UC's of the world.
We need to be more afraid of the brokers that "manipulate" the share price for their personal benefit. You are right - the "game" is stacked against the little guy.
Keeping that in mind, I go for little companies (below "their" radar) and I try to buy low and hold for the pay-off.
- panamax