Posted By:
Paul SHi Marc -- I don't want to presume to speak for Ted and
Al, but I don't think they really mean to "vilify grading
across the board", as it is really more of a lament that
baseball cards went from collecting to a business to
(practically) an industry. (By the way I have no idea of
Al's age, am just really "meeting" him for the first time -
- maybe he's 17 {Hi Al!). In fact much of Ted's post is
actually on the side of the "younger" collector and the
problems he/she is up against as far as the obstacles that
you mention in your own post. I don't believe they have anything against a great looking card in a holder; they
have too much respect for the cards themselves, yours
included.
As for myself, I am not chronologically quite as old
school (Al's age pending, and I'm "getting up there"
school), but I was fortunate enough to purchase so much of
my collection in a time and a place that you yourself
would benefit from were it to re-occur in this day and age.
I was still in my teens by the time the sixties
ended, and nothing gave me more pleasure than to hold a
raw card in my hands whenever I wanted to. And I can still
do it and get that same enjoyment. Hence my post. I think
we all wish the same for you.
Paul S
*edit for word wrap