The ultimate ethical question

[Derek in NYC]

As we all know, the maniac opponent can be at once the most problematic, and most profitable player, to meet at a table. When you are sitting with a maniac, you can make or lose more in an hour than grinding for 5 hours would give you. Finding out what makes these people tick--what motivates them, what puts them on tilt, etc.--could be very helpful information to know. Since reading the "open letter to the problem gambler" a few weeks ago, I have toyed with the idea of attending a G.A. program just to observe compulsive gamblers up close and to hear their stories. Part of my motivation is voyeurism I admit (a la Fight Club), and that is a despicable reason. But part of my motivation also comes from realizing that this is opposition research better than Al Schoonmaker's book could ever provide. Is this a legitimate reason, or is there a special place in hell reserved for me? Discuss. (Your input really will influence my decision about whether to follow through with this idea).