Hmm, it's not a game I would feel comfortable playing for money, but I recognise that even with this variant, there are consistently good players and consistently bad players = there's a substantial element of skill.

If it were not the case, then good players would seek to play another variant as it would increase their advantage.

Indeed, before its widespread adoption, skilled players prefered Stud Poker (similar idea - everyone shares some cards, you don't get to replace any) to Draw Poker.