Absolutely made more money AND LOST MORE MONEY back in the good 'ol days. One has to be much more selective now--and I think that's your well taken point--if not it's mine.
But there are plenty of plays out there in a variety of investment options--at least the pinky scammers are getting slammed. Most of the ones on the expert market deserve being there--no revs, fake out PR's, scammin' CEO's, to name a few of the "good 'ol days" plays.
All the best to you on your stock choices.
IMO BABL: will be one of the winners. But gosh it's taken a long time to come to fruition.