I've noticed this. Etrade has been showing the actual size of the bid and ask all week, and it has confirmed what I have thought for awhile. Small ask being maintained by the MMs to keep the price in check, but no volume because nobody will sell any blocks big enough to justify the commission to the average retail buyer.
On a different note, I was in charge of entertainment tonight for a visiting employee from the China based company who does most of my company's data entry work. I was thinking Atlantic City, a ballgame, etc. He only wanted to go to the mall to buy the US products that he cannot get in China. For dinner, he wanted "something American".
He had a very long list of orders for "American" products from all of his friends and family, so I believe he is more the rule than the exception.
And by the way, when we all ordered beers at dinner, he wanted WINE. When I asked why, his response was that he can get beer in China, but good wine is hard to find, and usually expensive.
I am more certain than ever that Frank is on to something here! I've got nothing but time to wait, and full confidence in Frank and GDHI.