This has been a good, professional thread. Thanks you all your insights.
I have 2 comments:
In order to be a viable trading vehicle, any instrument MUST have VOLUME, which also translates to tighter spreads.
As the VIX futures have seen very thin trading, I'm sure the VIX options will be the same...
This is a shame. With using the VIX index as underlying and using strikes every 0.5 points (11,11.5, 12), this could have been a nice play, even as potential hedge for index options.
Second, ktm made a comment about SPAN margin against REG T margin, which needs some clarification. It's true that SPAN margin is much more favorable to REG T. But it's not true that under REG T you have margin for both legs of a strangle.
You have the MAX between the CALLs margin and the PUTs margin plus the premium of the other side.