Pete- I will argue one apparent issue on which we appear to disagree, and then I will go to sleep. I welcome all arguments. I will wake up and take them on.

You say:

"The comparison to stock is invalid. In the case of the Hard Rock Rock chip we are talking about an intentional increase in the QUANTITY of the chip. In the stock example we are talking about the unintentional drop in the MARKET PRICE of the stock. One is completely within the control of the issuing party the other is not"

I would point to a secondary stock offering. The company decides it is in the benefit of the stockholders to dilute their holdings by offering more stock.

In this case, the Hard Rock has decided it is in the benefit of the entire chip collecting market (in light of difficulty brought on by chipper complaints) to dilute a particular issue of stock if it increases tyhe interest in the hobby as a whole.

THAT IS VERY ANALOGOUS TO THE STOCK MARKET>

Feel free to critique my argument. I'll fight back in the morning.

Al