re: no
"Hole-card readers are simply folks who have learned how to take advantage of a dealer's mistakes. The dealer offers them the information and they use it."
But don't forget, hole card readers search for weak dealers. Thus there is INTENT to violate the rules of the game (as per the definition of the word "cheat" offered at dictionary.com)
Cheat v. intr. 2. To violate rules deliberately, as in a game: was accused of cheating at cards.
"Look at baseball. The catcher signals the pitcher as to what pitch he should make. The opposing team has a guy on second base who can read the catcher's signals. He then signals the batter what pitch he should expect to see. Is this cheating? No one in professional baseball would say that it is."
Oh REALLY??? A lot of players WOULD call it cheating, at least to a reporter who asks about it. And, a player who is suspected of stealing signs is liable to be on the recieving end of some "chin music" when he comes to bat.
"Basic strategy says I should hit my 16 against a dealer's ten. But, the dealer has just flashed his hole card and I know it is a five. Do I blindly hit the 16 just because BS says to do it or do I stand on my 16, knowing I have the advantage over the dealer? Would you stand or hit?"
I would stand of course. The difference here is that I don't deliberately search for a dealer who would flash that card.
Thank you for engaging in a civil debate on this issue. While we can agree to disagree, and may not swing the other to the other side, at least we were able to discuss our views without resorting to personal attacks. You have made a solid argument and have made the best case for your side.