You've presented things really well. All I would add is that I never place orders at market. Instead, it's a limit order on an all or nothing basis (aon). This insures that I'll get a complete order if it's executed and it cannot exceed my stipulated price.
So, yes--- big money is machine oriented. But our dollars also count, it would be a mistake to discount the importance. We are the ones valuing the company's stock. A poor market will bring about a sour community attitude. Looking past the HFT's are genuine concerns. Hedge funds wouldn't want to mess with stocks at the mercy of really had press. Respect is requisite for any company hoping to earn profits.
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