Several very pertinent posts - just above.
Every period has its own opportunities even for the 'small guy'. The trick is to spot them. For example:
1) an operation like AM could succeed with it's plans and right now one share costs just ~0.15. Yes, predicting it is speculative and shares could go to zero. But believing that large gains can be achieved without appropriate risk is infantile,
2) large mining operations are killing my miner's profitability? - what about taking advantage of depressed prices and accumulate btc? Each month, for a fracture of my income. In fact, current low prices are to large extent the merit of those mining behemoths. In a few years I could look very, very smart with this simple approach. If/when the price spikes I could even buy a miner - of course only if appropriate opportunity arises
3) why not to try some arbitrage even if just for fun - serious attempt requires time and dedication.
Eagerly looking for good news from AM

Well said. The correct timing for purchases of either bitcoins or mining gear can make all the difference. AM has shown they navigate the waters very well in terms of responding to timing, pricing and approach despite extreme challenges in predicting what will happen next. It's been fun if nothing else