If you claim trader tax status you are by definition a professional in the eyes of the exchange. This was verified by an accountant who specializes in trader tax law.
I do not agree. The exchange feeds and their requirements for the exemption and the IRS do not have the same standard.
This is what Green told me. If I switch to trader tax status I will have to pay professional data fees.
I was very skeptical to about how I was supposed to be classified (see previous thread), but it comes down to the fact that a sole proprietorship is forced upon you by IRS code in order to fill out Schedule C. But in the eyes of the exchanges, you are just an individual trader and have no associated entity.
When I worked for an investment bank I was considered a professional and my broker delayed my quotes for my personal brokerage accounts.
I think there are separate rules for people who work in the financial industry. I would think Question 4 on that list is meant to cover that.