"Never pay off" is a bit too absolute, but I do fully agree with CTP's premise, that it is perilous to trade a pink stock based on the company's long term plans.
You give two examples of pink that are up over 100% in 2 years. How many other pinks are down 1000% after runs, or just going nowhere fast?
In the case of MIKP, it does seem likely that Mark has a long-term plan for the company that may include uplisting at some point. But realistically, if we uplist, we should expect a reverse split. Unless MIKP's suddenly reaping billions in annual revenues from film projects, a 1.6b OS will keep the price below Nasdaq minimum price requirements.
Everyone will play this how they will. My opinion is that it with run hard at some point, then slide back down, then run again. I plan to make money on the rollercoaster, but remain wary of the eventual R/S.