"Over the years there is a long list of smart, well respected, advisors who got it right on occasion, but were wrong most of the time. So, unless I can see the total record, I don't think you can trade in and out too well. It's my opinion based on my own DD"

It's usual to make more mistakes than hits, the issue is to maximize what you gain and minimize what you lose, leaving you with net gains. If one considers trading in and out a long term involvement and is prepared to go forward with patience and to meet losses and gains both with equanimity, success will likely be the outcome. I remember some individuals lamenting that they got out of NOT at $3 and saw it jump to $7. If they kept their $3 gain then by today's standard they did very well..... but for a seeming long period they would have felt like kicking themselves. Now who feels like kicking themselves? It's a matter of perspective and a broader vision. But you are perfectly correct, the worst thing to do is to chastise oneself for things in the past. There is a never ending sea of opportunity and taking profit regardless of what happens afterward to the sp is a smart thing to do. Taking what comes to you and being content with it is most certainly one of the secrets to happiness. I have sold NOT and lost out and I have recently sold some at .69 and gained as a result. You win some and lose some. Bottom line is to learn happily from ones mistakes and make corrections so that future successes are brought about.