Well, I'll have to differ with you on the previous numbers assumption. Thrifty, if you go back and study the past MM & PB results, you'll clearly see where numbers are destined to repeat even though we're dealing with (50+) numbers. Do you know why? Because, those same numbers are still in there from one draw to the next...no matter what's going on. The pre-tests are designed to do just what players think isn't going to happen. Now, this can go both ways okay. The player the plays back some, or, all of the same numbers from the last official draw is highly likely to match at least 1-2 of those numbers.
Thrifty, let's not think in terms of numerical values for a minute, okay. Instead, let's look at this from an Odd/Even perspective. Each number has just as much of a chance as the next to be drawn from one drawing to the next but, you can still narrow down based on constants in their respective category. For instance, in the single digits, you have only (4) Even numbers which can be drawn while there are (5) Odd numbers...right? 1,3,5,7,9 vs. 2, 4, 6, 8. So, in essence, if a player were to at least "lead off" with all the single digit Even numbers, they are guaranteed to match at least that (1) number enroute to matching more numbers.
This, to me, is how you begin to guarantee yourself a certain amount of matched numbers....gotta play on a constant system. This is also why I say state side players, with Pick 3, should arrange their numbers in this same fashion and just be patient. The numbers must absolutely be drawn...especially if permutated properly. The machines can't just keep drawing an odd, or, an even number in the same position over and over...it must change. When it does, and you have your numbers in there, you win. Plain and simple. However, this becomes much, much more difficult when dealing with (50+) numbers. Can you see my point?
L.L.