[ac29]

> lending MY shares out to predatory short-sellers who's sole purpose is to decrease the value of MY shares.

Sure, that is their goal. But, shorting equities is a tough game, because most years the market goes up. An investor who is broadly short the market would therefore lose money more often than not, and has to pay borrow fees on top of that.

If you hold shares that you think are going to go up, you absolutely should be willing to lend out your shares because it will enhance your return.