That's fairly convincing. But is there a mathematical reason why this is a terrible idea? Or is it just a reasonably risky idea?
I do like my puppy.
If you like it, just don't do it.
Look at the news, it's not wise to send your bitcoins to third parties, and even less when they smell like ponzi.
I will not be sending bitcoins. I will pay with dollars and receive bitcoins. Does it seem like a bad deal? They are paying.
Whether you actually send them bitcoins or dollars is irrelevant. The point of mining is to get bitcoins, so you want bitcoins, right? So you can take that money, give it to them, and slowly get bitcoins over the course of a year, or take that money give it to someone else and get an amount of bitcoins right now. Which way will get more bitcoins for you?
If you are worried about the exchanges, don't trust them for very long. Find one that isn't screwing anyone over right this second, get your bitcoins, and get them into your own wallet.