vics, I agree with you to a point regarding the MM. They will play their games.
However, you must understand that if you have less than a full order (currently 200 shares) your offer doesn't show and only the specific MM who has your order (likely NITE if you use TD or Scottrade or another on-line discount broker) has to honor that price. They also don't have to shop your order to another broker if it is less than a full block order.
For this reason I usually enter my orders in at least full block orders and I usually try to enter more than that so I don't get a partial fill and then get ignored. I was actually able to buy a few shares this morning, I had a bid of 35.05 for 200 shares. They kicked me a lousy 14 shares again this morning and if the price drops back down that low on the bid again today the balance of my order won't show and I likely won't be filled.
You can get upset with the MMs but you are better off if you understand how they work. There is certainly plenty of room for them to play games. However, they still have some guidelines that they must follow.
I've found it doesn't hurt to call your broker and give them crap if you have an order entered and it is well below market and still not filled. If you need the cash I'd re-enter the order (maybe more like 30 to 35 - going clear down to 9 isn't necessary) and have your broker contact the MM and give them crap for not filling your order since shares are being traded above your asking price. At the end of the day the MMs have to keep the broker's happy or they will lose the business.
This post is my own opinion, and should not be relied on for your investment decisions.
