I think the bottom line is the old advertising $$$

To publications, they look for the almighty dollar and claim not to know anything about the advertiser.

The bottom line rests with your own judgement in these cases.
If they advertise 500% return in two months, or it costs $18,000 just to get started, you know the jig is up!

As far as computer programs go, that was a great posting.
Whatever, computer program you use, the end result are the parameters you give it.
I disagree that no computer system can pick the winners consistantly, it depends on the information the user inputs and how he/she sets up the program.

For example:

I have a spreadsheet set up and all I do is input data and have formulae set up within the cells, based on my own criteria, and give each factor a weight or importance.
The spreadsheet then picks the selections by final assigning of a value.

It's very successful, but ONLY because I give it the correct formulae and parameters.
(All midweek madness selections come from the spreadsheet).

But again, if you look at the program advertised, look to see if you can get a free trial - more often than not, you can set up something similar yourself at no risk!

(I can't give anyone a copy of that sheet because it contains my whole "system" including non statistical factors, but if anyone wants help on something, I'd be happy to oblige).

__________________
Treat your selection and staking methods not with optimism, nor with pessimism, but with realism.