No real disagreement here. The original question, I believe, was about those who catch a few hands & win a couple of flops early then sitout until they are close to the money. One, by doing that you are surrendering a lot of your chips, and no doubt your position as one of the leaders & then hoping to get lucky again & finish in the money. Two, by doing this you have no way of getting a feel or read on any of your opponents. What you are talking about is a rational decision by a good player who knows what she is doing. When I see someone, chip leader or close to it, sitout for a short period now & then I think, phone, kids, bathroom, another double scotch (wishful thinking there), or the sort of reasons you stated above. One clue would be, did they get the chip lead with big slick, and pocket A's or Q's holding up or did they call a couple of allins with 89s or A2o and suckout.lol. You, as you say are using the sitout as a tool or weapon, most are hiding behind it because they don't know what they are doing. By the way good to see back, missed you at our nightly games this week. I have been doing an inspired imitation of Santa Claus & showering chips left & right on anyone who happens to be playing. lol. See you at the tables.