I didn't think you were being dismissive, but I do think you jumped to the (reasonable) conclusion that I was just another clueless and lazy noob. Consequently, what I was asking and what you answered were only somewhat related. 
Ok, glad to hear that.
Certainly didn't intend any offense, etc.
Quote from: MagicSmoker
More less; more specifically, that the data input fields on the calculator do not match the data output fields of the wallet:
Your points about those areas of confusion are well-taken.
Such were the limits of a volunteer-created tool.
If this were an "official" tool released by the devs, I think we could have higher expectations...
As for your notes on the wallet interface itself, I kind of agree. I would like to see some of those ironed out.
But the team is pushing really hard on the core updates, so not sure how receptive they will be to more cosmetic issues until a bit later.
Fwiw, I think that after the next release, we might have an opportunity to submit some of those kinds of ideas/suggestions--so keep a list!
Quote from: MagicSmoker
Absent a full understanding of the whitepaper, then, it is not possible to be sure if the output of the calculator is even realistic, much less correct (insofar as a probability estimate can be correct...) so playing around with the numbers and fields on the calculator is unlikely to prove enlightening.
I'm hardly the brightest bulb in the bunch, but I thought I found the method-to-the-madness with the calc after a few minutes?
But yes, not the ideal situation. Again, an artefact of it being non-official, etc....
Quote from: MagicSmoker
There is a use case in my analogy that falls between that of the casual user of money and the investor in securities/derivatives/currencies/whatever: the person "investing" money in a savings account or CD. This type of investment requires minimal knowledge and minimal oversight* and seems to me the closest analog to staking coins for a chance at receiving a block every so often. Hence why I am pressing for a clear and simple explanation of how to figure out the equivalent of an interest rate that one is likely to receive from x number of coins, of y days maturity, held over z period of time.
* - aside from a few months in 2009 and a few years in the early 1930s, anyway...
* - aside from a few months in 2009 and a few years in the early 1930s, anyway...
The investments examples you mention typically have up-front and fixed terms for the APR, etc. So these would be much more analogous to the other kinds of PoS models I mentioned in the previous post--both are geared around a more steady/predictable annual rate-of-return. As explained, the TZC PoS model is truly variable depending on network factors and other conditions--like most PoW. So while you say that the savings/CD model is "the closest analog to staking coins", I would argue that its the other PoS model--i.e., x% PoS--you would need to compare to in order to make that claim.
That's my take on what (I think) you are saying.
But perhaps I misunderstood--feel free to clarify.