The ask was not how to make money, it was how to hedge.

I’d argue that it is very normal for hedging to be giving up expected value in return for a reduction in volatility of returns.

If you have a lot of exposure to the market already one could say not buying the option is more akin to roulette.

> but unless you think have some special insight that hedge/quant funds don't have

Of course not, but it is a hedge, is it not? What would be your preferred hedge in this scenario?

Options market makers have no idea where the S&P will be in one year, options are priced on the current implied volatility. The bid and ask will be slightly lower and higher than the true current option price so the MM can make their nut on the spread and then hedge so they’re delta neutral.

If you buy a put you are making a bet that realized volatility will exceed implied volatility. This may or may not happen and there’s no way to predict the future.

agree, mostly true. always better to find a credit spread for your desired exposure