Mark my words...Schoni is not dead. He is reorganizing his business around profitable traders. 3 years from now he will still be in business while most of the firms on this board will not. Gross trading means little if you can't overcome whatever your commissions are. Traders were profitable in the 70's and 80's when commissions were much higher. BTW, I think Schoni's business model is seriously flawed. I bet on the man, not his traders.
Trading is a noble profession. Those in it simply for the money who believe that the markets owe them a living or some firm should let them risk the firm's money without putting up a dime are not seeking an entrepreneurial lifestyle, they are looking for a quick rich job. Go home boys, let the real traders trade.
No firm, Bright, ECHO, Schoni, Lieber et al will survive on commisions. They need to have profitable traders.