" RIght off the top the Drugwars team was taking 20% of all the purchases which means that only 80% of people who spent can ROI from the beginning."

This is mathematically incorrect. If each player had spent the same amount, no player could have achieved a postive ROI with 20% rake by the devs. However, what actually happened is that a few players spent literally $1000s - that's dollars, not Steem - and most spent a lot less. I spent a lot less.

I am up over 100% so far. Many will never be up, and about this you're correct. However, it is quite probable that 90% of players are in the black, because they didn't spend much, and received rewards.

Thanks!