I've been following silver for maybe 20 yrs. To this day, I believe silver (and gold) have been and are being manipulated. Lately, silver has been on a steady level between $16 and $18. But, I'm still stacking and got a son to begin with his budget of $200/month and he's now really into it. Also, I went into one of my safes that I haven't been into for neigh onto 2 yrs. I found (2) 10 oz bars and 119 silver rounds that I had forgotten about. I didn't have an inventory, but now I do after all of these yrs.
Goose-o,
On the issue of "manipulation" I am a bit divided. I used to proclaim that there is manipulation all the time because that's what the pro PM site pundits (you know the sites) always said. However, after looking at the issue over the past 10 years, I'd say silver/gold is no more "manipulated" than anything else.
To get to the point of "manipulation" that the constantly wrong PM pundits proclaim it would have to involve more than meddling in the paper markets (comex, etc). It would also require some sort of "mind control" over the masses that make them decide to not buy silver/gold.
Even if the paper prices are "manipulated" (being held down by big money sources all the time), that would not stop individuals from buying as much physical that they can buy at manipulated (LOW) prices. If that were to happen en masse, the so-called manipulators would lose control of the paper markets and would not be able to manipulate anymore, but that NEVER happens, no matter how many times the wrong pundits say the silver/gold supply is tight or low, etc. It is NOT. Premiums are cheaper now than I remember. One site is selling silver eagles for 29 cents over what the mint charges the primary brokers (who are at 1 step higher than the online store I am referring to). That would translate into minimal return, even with high volumes. That means nobody wants the crap, generally speaking, at least right now.
Personally, if I could go back in time and not become a PM bug I would do it. If the world collapses, your PM's will not save you.
PS The only real money I've made in PM's is acting more like a dealer flipping semi numis crap. The bullion itself, a big NOTHING. It would take silver hitting 100 for me to recoup the lost opportunity costs I've experienced keeping my $$$ in this crap instead of stocks, real estate, beanie babies, etc. over the years.
Just my opinion.
Jim