Funniest back-story of a tout = Jim Hurley
...This "guy" was part of Mike Warren's crew. He always had weird "photos", where he looked sickly or photographed badly. Turns out that this "guy" wasn't a guy at all. He was a CARTOON character, just any Warren-formed identity to steal more $$. Imagine getting robbed by a tout, bludgeoned on his picks, only to discover your tout was actually a fictitious character.
Best Semi-legit tout = Dave Cokin
...This guy talks a big game and sometimes steps on his tongue. Could give the appearance of being a winner in a few sports. Reportedly bets his own games, albeit at small amounts. Threw away at any shot at legitimacy by taking the money-grab and joining the Feist crew.
Most overrated Tout = Fezzik
...I'd argue this guy has ego/stability problems. Loves to talk himself up. Loves to rationalize picks, which is a terrible way of doing it. Had no problem taking fee $$, only to focus on other endeavors.
Tout on biggest downslide = Dr Bob
...Documented to being a winner at one point. Never changed w/ the times. Uses bad logic/methodology to identify picks. Coin-flipper who will tell you how good he was in 1998.