A couple things that should be kept in mind. First, if you have held RSRNX continuously since they instituted the front-end load, you are grandfathered, and you don't have to pay this charge when you add to your position. My brokerage (Fidelity) just has fill out extra paperwork for me when I add to my position or even start a new position in any of their other funds.

Second, RSRNX is a value oriented fund. It's underperformance in bull markets (1999-2000) and overperformance in bear markets (2001-2002) is a reflection of this investment style. Thus, the reduced volatility that someone mentioned.

Finally, I don't think the performance of this fund is going to be outstanding over the next year or so. Natural resource companies and the commodities they own are overpriced right now. I believe the commodity bubble is in the process of deflating. However, unlike the tech and housing bubble, the long term fundamentals of the natural resource sector is very good, and I think the long term performance of this fund will reflect this.