I envy those that can actually trade the short term waves with enough consistent certainty to make a better long term profit than just holding. I'm not sure I've ever actually met one of those mythical traders, they might be unicorns.

If aiming realistically and conservatively, it doesn't take a unicorn to do that. I guess more than a few such people are reading and writing these very pages. It doesn't even take a WO peep (well, just as a brainwasher maybe). Case in point: JJG's mom could do that almost in her sleep, but decided not to be bothered cause she prefers to enjoy life.
If you can learn the difference between a bear market and a bull market (hint: we are in a bull market) then you can trade for a profit. Dollar cost average in in a bull market. Dollar cost average out in a bear market.
If you cant tell the difference, then sit on your hands.
This is the opposite of JJGs advice because you buy on the way up and sell on the way down. The difference is JJGs system doesnt require you to make a judgment call. Mine does.