"I don't use stops on any stock that is flat or near a bottom but rely on them when the stock has gone up 25-50% or more in a short time. The higher the rise the closer the stop. I have seen them drop 30% while I was takin a P. especialy in the venture"

A distant stop is good for all stocks, even the flat ones, particularly if you have a major down move, even those get hit if it's bad enough, certainly less but still enough. They don't have to be there all the time however, but when the market is in extremes they can save you. Most people don't know how to set them which is why they wind up with bad experiences. I've heard others say how they hate using a power tool that I think works really well. When you find out how they're using it what for you understand why. Just the way I play..to each their own comfort.