The cost benefit of self-directed value investment

[tanjm]

The way you frame this question, I'm very tempted to go with you that it is just not worth it for the average people.

...but compare that to the more average people who spend 100 man hours on drinking beer each year it may still worth the while. At least when you invest at market rate return, you still have your money. The alternative will see the money go down the drain...

You have a point :-).