Posted By:
David AtkatzNo, it doesn't affect the item.
It affects the hobby.
We're already at the point where no one will buy an autograph unless it's been "authenticated." And, as I said, when it comes to autographs, PSA doesn't have a clue.
I have been collecting for more than forty years. I don't need some schmuck at PSA to tell me what's genuine, and what is not. And if that wasn't bad enough, assign the piece a grade!
If you want to be a collector, work at it. You must become the expert. (If you're really interested in what it is that you're collecting, it's actually not work, but fun.)
And if you're just buying as an investment, and couldn't care less about the stuff you're buying, and thus need someone to tell you what it is you've bought, the hell with ya!