Sarge,
This is a different age. There is considerable risk in even the blue chips these days. Intel, MSFT, auto makers, pharmaceuticals, GE, etc, etc: all stagnant or have taken huge hits in the past few years. Look at how many "good companies" have taken hits to their PPS in the last 5 years, never to fully recover. If I would have invested in many of these, I would still be down quite a bit. As it is, I have lowered my cost basis to the point where I am confident I will be able to at least break even, likely a lot more.
When news hits, there will be more than adequate volume to sell.
Commissions: Ten bucks a trade, whether it's 5K or 500K. Not a bad deal.
Capital gains: Many longs here are in the 10-15% range for a lot of their shares. If this pops enough, I will be happy to pay the higher rate for the rest of my shares.
Plus, if it goes to a buck or two, some of us will be pretty well off. It's all about risk v. reward, and I think we are going to see the reward side very soon.
GLTY. I hope we all make money here.