Cold Calling - Why is it bad?

[Thirdman]

Yes I am just talking about Limit Hold'Em.

There are some interesting points here. They all seem to stem from the concept that even preflop you act in a manner where you think that you have the best hand. I always thought that preflop was too early to decide if you have the best hand, sure you can determine if you have a strong pair of starting cards but it is only until after the flop where you can determine it you have any serious chance of winning the pot. The way I have often played is to limp preflop then fold on the flop if I decide its not worth continuing.