Every time I've bought a coin because I thought the person launching it had a big enough reputation that the coin would do well, and I feel like I got a good entry, it has been a flop. I feel like from first principles I know this is true but I still end up buying these for whatever reason

I don’t like this for you, but it makes me feel a bit better for having the same issues. 

The current meta (and if I’m really honest, almost all of crypto) is a mismatch with the game I’m willing/able to play. 

Seems like the bigger the reputation, the bigger some will enter, but they’re more fickle — gotta keep that capital working.