There is a lot to be said for a passive investing approach, it's undoubtedly broadly true that it is the best investment strategy for most investors most of the time. Particularly small investors. Although it is possible for an investment professional to achieve an edge, it makes sense if a professional concentrates on one small corner of the market it may be possible to beat the other participants. In any competition someone has to win! But identifying these people in advance is very difficult for an investor. I'm less sure about 'multifaceted interaction with the company' it sounds like a euphemism for another type of activity to me...