100 share lots are not usually mom & pops.

They are automated computer generated "testing" trades from the big players that manipulate the price in thin markets at no cost to the players.

No small player can afford to play a low priced stock in 100 share blocks. The commissions alone add at least 10 cents a share to every order. Of course it makes buying cheap a real crap shoot. Even placing a buy at the ask only gets you 100 shares and the programs are designed to duck the rest of the order, and modifying it later usually results in another commission at most brokerages. All or none orders may work but only when the market is moving against you.