actually, that is what I do. But I find as soon as aI sit at a table with 45%VP$P or certain stats, my game changes that. Suddenly the pot sizes increase, the VP$P changes. Sometimes numbers change for the better, sometimes not. I do that to get stats on players before I sit, and do use the datamining to help select. But most players to your left and right will have to adjust or move. Also, alot of times, stats like pot size, change as soon as someone is busted and leaves. It's typically the loser of some big pot battles that has busted and opened the seat for you.

Most sites don't let you datamine. In Tourneys and S&G's there is little history at lower stakes. So it will vary, how you decide what to plauy and who to play with.