Wow, all of this speculation...
Steven, I never thought you were insinuating anything in your post. I read it as just asking if I am (along with others) want to bet so much money, then what is it that I know that the majority doesn't.
My wish to bet on Chris here is just a case of old fashioned looking at both sides, and betting who I think is the winner. I have seen Melinda play on the big table (I have played against her also) and based on what I have seen, I feel like Chris can give her the spot. This is not to be taken as a derogatory statement against Melinda, this is what I feel is presented on the table. Personally I feel like a lot of people are betting on Melinda based on being a fan of her blog, versus actually seeing her play on the big table. That is just one person's opinion. I do not allow what I may think about her personally affect where I put my money.
Have I seen Chris play? No. I do have friends who live in his area, and after I put a few calls in, I decided that was the direction I wanted to go based on their answer.
I like action as much as the next person. Reading this thread has been fun for me. I like to see people match up when they say they are going to. I think that is one of the reasons this thread has gotten so much attention, is that we are guaranteed that a barking match will turn into an actual one since all the money has been posted.
My bet of 500 is because it seems a bit more fun for me to sweat that amount versus anything smaller, that's all.
I hope that clarifies things a bit.
Tina Pawloski