LOL, completely different business models. When I last had dinner with Charles Kim, co-owner of Swift, we had a long conversation. Charles actually came to my training a few years ago to see if he really wanted to be in the trading business... a really nice, and smart guy.
Anyway, last time we met he explained that he hires 19 year guys to basically play video games for rebates because he has a grandfathered in method with Penson to be charged virtually zero in commission rates (they had some "deal" years back).
He likes his expansion to China, where traders are willing to take even less of a cut, down from 50% to around 10%. Swift does very well, pays a lot of fines (sorry Charles, LOL)...but the two of them make a lot of money.
Charles explained that when the traders get a bit older, and actually want to learn about real trading, he sends them to Bright Trading, LOL...and he's sent several.
Zero down, play for rebates (primarily)...either make some money or go away.
Or, put money down, get into actual trading for a living, keep 100% of your profits with a U.S. Firm.
I honestly think, since there are no similarities, that either would be an option for some people.
Say Hi to Charles for me if you go there!
Don