The big difference, when many of us first got in this the risk looked "relatively" low for a penny stock. Now the risk look much higher due to the uncertainty of who will actually own it when the dust settles and the NG prices and likelihood the price will remain very low for extended time period. So it is as you say a lotto ticket and much more so than before.
I think the only reason the price is not already down under 5 cents, is the strong market wide rally the last 5 weeks. Next bear run or correction, and this will big roast again, LOL!