Well it is about time you showed up to this thread John.
I was wondering where you were. As a kid in the 70s, I did not care for the Cowboys at all. Now, looking back, I am a huge fan of Staubach and Tom Landry. Two men...all class!
And, I am in total agreement with this statement you made:
"The saddest part is that we were probably the last generation of kids to ever experience card collecting in its purest form. No Price guides, No Labels, Just a mouthful of gum and a stack of cards in your pocket to swap with your friends."
I remember Walt Garrison most for his smokeless tobacco commercials. Was it for Skoal? A little pinch between your cheek and gum.
I am interested to hear why you like the 78 and 79 sets. I don't particularly care for either though I did collect plenty of 79 cards back then.
Erik