"Given enough eyeballs, no scam is too shallow."

This is decidedly baiting, but another way one might put that is "the market for something to believe in is infinite."

In fairness, the top quote is what lies at the end of the "dark" path, whereas the second represents the fork itself. Though anecdotally it appears that the "dark" path is well traveled.

Spam and scams are nature's way of demonstrating the areas needing improvement in our communication and authentication systems.

"Spam and scams are nature's way " of parting fools from their money. Financial evolution in action.

The reason Snakle Oil salesman lived out of a suitcase in the 19th Century is because they knew they were never going to stay in one place long.

"but investors willing to make a habit of buying spammed stocks and losing money are certainly in short supply. "
Are you really sure? They may change from spam to another technique - cold calling via VoIP is the latest rage - but share market scammers will be with us as long as there is a share market. Look-up David Tweed.

How many people lost tons of money on Pets.com?

Difference of kind or difference of measure?