one recommendation is to monitor how max pain works over the coming 6+ months. (i say 6 just so you have some history of performance)

A few months ago, I think it was 30 or so S&P Points on the wrong side by options expiry v where max pain was

This may be offset by good months such as this month but thought i would throw it out there as a possible issue over a given # of months testing

Punching a few stocks tickers, I found one egregious exception to that maximum pain rule. Ticker: CSIQ, for December 2009 option expiration the max pain is at 20 and it closed at 26.86, at its extreme. I have long noticed that its price is irrational, and this is a proof of its price manipulation.