External 1.x threads have been all the rage for about a year now - as I recollect. One can afford to be very choosy about who they wish to befriend since the most serious drawback to them is the lack of accountability for accurate deposits & not much more for timely leveling. It's already a pain to have all of your fps invested in known friends' & guildies gbs but to add on a bunch of folks who come and go when they please.....ugh!
Don't get me wrong - they can be a real life-saver when it comes to converting fps to packs and to grab up medals! I make a point of doing the following to pretty much ensure that I'll get a good turnaround and choice positions:
1. Take any position on any gb. If you're too choosy, you miss great opportunities for profit.
2. Be the Whale not the Fisherman! (You do that & people will literally throw their gbs up on threads when they see you online!)
3. Flip your own gbs quickly - less than 24 hours is better! Folks are more inclined to invest in your gbs - especially if you're fond of the 'funky ones' as I am - if you don't make them wait on their investment.
And last but not least:
4. Stay active on 2 or 3 1.x threads. The higher the "x" the better! Folks DO pay attention when you're willing to pay at a rate higher than 90%!! (Besides, it's awfully nice to be able to have them invest at a higher rate in your own buildings!)
Best of luck to you!