I don't know why all the resentment towards Fred. I like Fred. The show's producers even stated in one of their behind the scenes shows that the show may be making Fred look bad, when that wasn't (supposedly) the purpose. The truth is that the Porcupine Creek Mine was for sale for quite some time, even when the Hoffmans were working it. Fred finally had enough money to buy the claim, and did so. He was actually interested in buying it for quite some time. On one of the behind the scenes episodes they actually showed part of the conversation between Fred and the previous owner that the show edited out for dramatic purposes, and it really made it clear that Fred isn't some sort of claim jumper but was interested in buying the land even before the Hoffmans leased it. Plus, let's not forget that the Hoffmans missed making their payment on the lease. It's not Fred's fault that they didn't hold up their end of the bargain.
As for the rest of the show, I like the Schnabels the best. They not only know what they are doing, but are helpful to others, and actually make every effort to play by the rules. I don't dislike the Hoffmans, but I don't think I'd follow Jack or Todd anywhere. The person that I like the best on the Hoffman crew is Dave Turin. He's the only one that has a clue what he's doing and is probably the biggest reason that the Hoffmans have had any success. The Hoffman crew is learning and I admire them for that and I wish them the best. I also wish Fred the best too, and hope that he strikes it rich too. I think Fred quite frankly is much better organized and has a much better plan than the Hoffmans ever did. Personally, if I had to choose between working for Fred or the Hoffmans I'd choose working for Fred every time.
