Alan, I really do want you to continue playing after wining, really I do. That way you'll be forced to keep on working....maybe even get a 2nd job. The more you pour into the SS system for us, the longer it'll remain solvent.
You're 100% wrong about expecting you'd have had the same $2500 give-back had you left ahead about $8k. You're falling into the same trap as the AP's are always in when you say that. Do you know the difference between theory and reality? No one knows what'll happen tomorrow, which is why you should always take the good fortune you've been blessed with, aka REALITY--and immediately leave. I think you're fully aware of that, but it is not nearly as powerful as the craving to keep on playing. Remember, lots of W2G's with even more losses = a thoroughly messed up AGI, and we all know what that means. Intelligent gambling is the key. But as you say, to each their own.