As for the contestants getting paid - Pagnano stated that it was in their contract that they would get paid if the show ever aired (can't remember if it was network or just cable) and not just for participating. I suppose that would make sense, but I know nothing about these kinds of fledgling entertainment endeavors. And I also do not know if that's true, but at least it's an explanation of some sort - for what it's worth.
As for the explosion of volume on a down day, I'm wondering how close the company that has been selling off shares to get paid is at this point. That could help in the long run, I suppose.
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