3xA, If you mean a high VIX is a good intermediate timing signal,you are right, but you have to consider how it gets there too. Absolute VIX levels can fool you. In July, the VIX just about matched the highs of September, and did so after a steady rise from may then a parabolic blowoff July 22-24. But it gave rise the most anemic bounce of the Bear thus far
If the market is entering a deep selloff now, and the VIX goes parabolic again, it could hit the 60s. In this scenario, buying now would put you 10-20% in the red before a capitulatory bottom is made.
When the VIX implodes from high levels is a good long timing signal.