ALTON, thank you for saving me, but no illegal manipulation here. (Some fun-yes--but nothing illegal) Sooo "PIPES" go ahead and test the waters. Place that "buy" order @ $3.75. Nothing here to fear but fear itself. Absolutely nothing ethically, or legally wrong with paying a higher price than advertised for anything in the world.(Unless ,of course, you're using someone elses money and you are receiving a kick back or favors from said transaction). In fact, if I recall correctly, I believe that someone that we all know from this message board placed a "buy" order (more than a year ago) at "the Market"price, and if my memory serves me correctly he/she received a fill at a substantially higher price than the "ask"price.... Regards, Bill Dozer.... P.S. If "that person" would like to step forward and give the particulars of that transaction you could consider it as a cathartic experience.