I get your point and I do not contest the argument made. But are there not large numbers of independent (amateur if you will) traders who still manage to make money out of it? Considering many markets and stocks are on the floor (though fast recovering in many sectors so one needs to be quick) is it not a good time to get involved? The stocks can only go up I mean.
I'm not speaking of investing in volatile markets or companies, but there are a number of 'safe' investments that can allow you to sleep at night and which show solid overall growth over a number of years, if one can see past the day to day ups and downs.