quantity and quality of comments.
While winning, posters evidently write with confidence and freely offer all kinds of advice. Demonstrating their current good fortune and three cheers to them in this difficult endeavor.
While losing, the oposite effect, IMHO, takes hold and one becomes introspective and hesitant to offer any advice and posts less. I think this may be why many posters disappear for long periods of time, reflecting their current state of affairs. Many times the pupils do better than the teachers. It's unfortunate and even unfair. Winning the respect of other posters is a long term win and doesn't rely on lady luck's fickleness. It's only natural that a restless mind will be in the forefront taking the most chances and suffering the consequences. So, if you're one of the above, post on, and let us pupils consider the value of your remarks.