TFRY is how I learned about penny stocks. And unlike many, I took the lesson to heart.
I too always wondered how they kept the fry machines clean and sanitary and compliant with all the local health and safety requirements. But I never saw that issue discussed.
It was often discussed, at least on the SI board. And I think at RB as well. We in fact proposed that the machines were actually run and cared for by a midget who worked inside. Still makes sense to me.
Sure the boards were full of shills. What would you expect? At SI--I think it was SI--a group of us pumped it like crazy for about a week. It was great fun.