lander -
I must be a ****ing idiot.
I have and do pay for picks (have made several long posts on the subject). I do it to make money.
Why don't I just follow cappers on free forums? I do that as well. But quite frankly, many post picks infrequently or at off times. Consistentcy is nice when you want to get down every day at the same time and for the best number. Also, most offer no recored to support their past history of capping. If you hang around the forum you can find out who is having a good year or who have done well in the past, but a multi year history of picks is hard to find.
I am glad your own capping work (I am guessing you do some), and the free forums are enough for you. I think they can be great as well, but I am willing to pay for a different type of service and presentation.