I went into Experiment M expecting utter failure for all.  No one has ever shown me good data on MLM's, and anyone I've ever known personally who's done one, including myself, hasn't succeeded.  I went into Experiment M with one very simple goal and that was to recoup the US$8 I would've spent if this had not been an imaginary experience.   In my previous two very negative experiences trying to promote MLM as an income opportunity, I still managed to recoup all monies I put in, though not by much.    

Recouping one's investment really doesn't warrant any accolades.  No one goes into any investment hoping to just recoup the invested capital.  They're hoping to multiply it; and with an MLM, create a regular stream of income.  A lesson for the not-so-smart:  if you can't recoup your basic investment with ease, you're not going to ever be wading into a stream of income.