"Bargaining Chip": Antedating & Mystery

[Rick H Kennerly]

|o| looked at by professionals. This is ridiculous. Most of the etymological
|o| suggestions that come from amateurs are preposterously stupid on their
|o| face, unsupported by any evidence or even rational basis for belief,
|o| and don't merit consideration (except for sociolinguistic purposes).
|o|

Well, you're quite the poster boy for the field.  Your tolerance is
admirable.

Fact is, over the last several weeks quite a number of us little folks have
been shot down in flames by the list's linguistic experts with little more
explanation than a dismissive remark and a kick in the keyboard, their
professional opinion unsupported by any evidence to the contrary, just
because they say so.  One might be able to get away with that in the right
classroom or meeting, but not in a public forum.  What's good for the
goose... etc.

rhk