No doubt there are millions of people out there financially wiser then skinny. Fronting people money to start books or "becoming partners" with them, then gutting the book out isn't as rewarding in long term as running a legit book as you pointed out. I will point out if you know Philly and its economic opportunities, you know that it doesn't belong in same convo as NYC. That being said, these guys used a rainy day hustle everyday and did damage but Who makes mistakes often between 14-40? EVERYONE.