Some brokers will allow you to request the ECN/Market Maker you want to buy shares from. I usually request AUTO. There is an SEC rule that allows this. I have to find it (AGAIN), I have it somewhere on the other board (T*VE). The market maker this is routed to has to match the asking price from whoever is lowest on the Ask, however it requires a transfer of shares eventually. If the lowest Ask guy is also shortie (if it's NITE you can probably assume he is selling short) he will have to get shares to the ECN/MM you ask to buy from.
If you follow me at all you will know my opinion is that the principle job of a market maker is NOT to "provide liquidity" but to TAKE THE STOCK DOWN. Sell short, take the stock down and cover cheap. It is a constant battle where the only salvation is to obtain shares at as low a price as possible and hold them, hold and not sell. This can only work if the company is a real company with real products and then eventually shortie has to pay up (short squeeze or MOASS). It is more difficult on a stock that has a lot in the float.
Real investors here should be turning up the heat on Mike Shenher (CEO) and the IR Firm to turn out a profitable quarter and take additional actions that would bring on a squeeze. Shortie NO LONGER has the help of organized shorters like Lebed and Sykes. He is on his own.
I think most of us are past the point of deciding whether this company is for real or not. It now has to be decided whether or not there is endurance in dealing with shortie.