What I'm saying is that the amount of effort he'd have to put in to be running a ponzi like this would be insane. Ever for the short period he's been running BS&T, it'd be too much for most to be running a ponzi.
The only alternatives to a Ponzi are a legitimate business or some other illegitimate business. Of those three possibilities, a Ponzi probably takes the least effort and provides him the highest potential reward. I would love to hear what you think would be an alternative explanation to a Ponzi scheme that takes less effort.
I can think of several, and it just takes a bit of effort for the book-keeping. But I'm not going to disclose what I'm thinking of or doing, because that's not how the world works. You want to get rich, use your resources effectively, and don't give them away.
Edit, while sitting and thinking of some variations, there are systems that might not work in all jurisdictions, and some places will have better results than others.
I'm sorry, I can't just take your word for it. It's entirely possible that I can shoot every suggestion you make full of holes. Or it's possible some of your suggestions are solid. But "I have secret knowledge that shows you're wrong" is basically worthless. I know of no explanation simpler than a Ponzi scheme. Essentially, a Ponzi is the least effort because all you have to do is find investors and keep them happy to run a Ponzi. Every other scheme requires at least that, plus you actually have to make money. (With a Ponzi, all you do is take loss. You never have to make anything.)
I honestly can't conceive of anything simpler than a Ponzi scheme.