Assuming the species still exists, has anyone researched this enough to provide insight into their approximate rating class/skill level (exclusively at blitz time controls)?
How do they typically get into the business or for that matter, demonstrate an above-average strength level (enough to make and not lose money!), given their difficult life situation. Is there a top dog / ringer type who trains the rest and personally deals with some of the stronger "ordinary folk" challengers?
I've been lucky enough to play a few dollar-games in San Francisco but not enjoyed their company enough to gauge if they are all A/B players or even Experts.
Curious ... and I am positive that Hollywood paints a fairly distorted picture of the archetype, such as the Disney-like Searching for Bobby Fischer or even the more gritty + over-the-top Fresh.