In essence, most gold stocks are made to be bought and sold.
In inflation adjusted terms, the long term return of the precious yellow is zero. Although management of exploration companies is important, it is still true that "a good jockey needs a good horse". The design and condition of a coin can affect its price as much as the precious metal content itself. As many investors see gold as a hedge against excessive debt in the economy, they tend to shy away from companies that have "hedged away their hedge".
In timing sells, one rule of thumb is that large gold stocks make small moves over long periods of time while small mining stocks make short, sharp moves over short periods. In the early phases of a gold bull market it pays to be an investor, in the later stages a trader. In essence, most gold stocks are made to be bought and sold.