Thanks.It sucks. Missing an oppo like that after it trades 2x implied vol (as realized) is tough. I was not making a call on XOM just the probability of the thing trading ITM. It only works as prot if it's realized. IOW, if you thought I was making a directional call on the shares I did not mean to give you that impression. I had no clue where it would end up. Beta was higher (mkt was rallying).
I like to run synthetic straddles (2xOTM calls) as you're going to earn even if the strike is touched.
I am learning by doing.
Can be expensive education.