This whole post is just to negate the buyers remorse. I've bought 27 of em for a few months ago for something like 6 BTC. I am currently at 1.11 BTC, if they pump out 2 BTC, given the current Bitcoin price, then I will have hit my ROI.
Off course there is a gap of 4 BTC and so the ROI in bitcoins hasn't been met, but in fiat money it can eventually break even.
Yes, bitcoins appreciated in value compared to traditional currencies. It does not change the fact that the mining activity generated a net loss.
+100 Just buy bitcoins if you think prices are going to go that high. If you buy the Bitcoins straight up vs the erupters you are going to make a lot more money. Also remember that buying the Bitcoins ADDS to the Bitcoin ecosystem directly, buying block erupters adds to ASICMINERS bottom line instead.
That's the consensus now, now we've seen the ASIC rush. Now it makes more sense to buy em instead. But remember the first ASIC equipment? They made a lot.
A small number of (lucky) people who took risks with the correct companies profited greatly (ex: Avalon batch 1), but many miners will take a loss in btc.
Individual miners will have a rough future as profits will be squeezed out by ASIC manufacturers.