[SandB0x]

So what you're saying is it's a game of chicken?

[raganwald]

It's a game of Jenga with gold pieces. If you get a piece out, you win your piece. If the tower collapses, everyone still playing loses their money.

And as you can see, the insiders, VCs, and their customers get to play first and leave the game before you get a chance to pull a piece out.

UPDATE: Man, I'm pessimistic today! Don't forget the converse side of the coin: The game may be rigged, but still you might have a good bet to make!