I got an email from my rakeback provider last week saying that Merge is no longer accepting rakeback for new players as of June 1.  (BTW, the announcement says there is an ipad promotion, but I see no other mention of it on the web site).  I emailed Merge twice but they refuse to reply.  So I'm guessing it must be true.

It seems to me that there is a high probability that the new system will be worse than the current rakeback system.  I mean, I suppose it's possible that the new system could be better, but seriously, how can it be better than up to 75+% (with the personal rake race)?!?  If you ever were going to play on Merge and you don't have an account, I think it's probably a good idea for you to sign up for one, make a small deposit and just play enough to keep the account "active."  If the new system ends up being better than the current rakeback system, then you can always have "your father" sign up for a new account.  But if the deadline passes and you don't have a rakeback account (under your name or any of your "relatives'" names), you will never be able to get a grandfathered rakeback account.  This situation all goes back to giving yourself life options.

Considering most small stakes to mid stakes regs pay between $5-10+K a month in rake, an extra 10% in rakeback is going to be the difference between whether all your meals are at McDonald's or the Cheesecake Factory.  Give yourself the option.  You don't even have to deposit much. Play the micros or some donkaments for fun to keep your account active.

Of course, if you do sign up, I would appreciate it if you could use my rakeback site.  If you already have a RakeTheRake account, they will say you can't sign up thru me, but you can if you use a different email.  If that's a hassle, no big deal.  Alternatively, there are other guys on 2+2 with rakeback sites.  Look into the various rakeback sites details and promotions.  Once you decide which one you want to go with, see if any one of your 2+2 buddies has an affiliate thru that rakeback network.  Make sure you get the best deal, and if it's not going to cost you anything in benefits, you might as well go thru someone you know, no?  Might as well keep the money in the 2+2 (dysfunctional) family.