Revisiting the SGC vs PSA vs Beckett discussion, where do the three stand in 2013?

[the 'stache]

Just like ripping a band aid off of a hairy arm, I wish to reopen the old wound that is the SGC vs PSA vs Beckett (BVG) debate. Why? Because while I have seen this discussed ad nauseam on different sports card websites (here, collectors universe, sportscardforum, etc), opinions can change over time. As a stock broker, I know it is always prudent to find the most current information before making any investment decision. And let's face it, while we buy for the love of the sport and the hobby, we are making considerable investments (regardless of whether or not we ever liquidate our holdings!)

I know that the big three, SGC, PSA and Beckett (BGS and BVG for vintage) will have several professionals that will do the grading, and typically a submitted card will receive review from more than one grader. I also know that while the standards are typically pretty consistent over time, certain dynamics do change from time to time (ie, one of these companies might hire a new "head grader", if you will). So rather than assume (break out the Felix Unger at the chalkboard clip explaining that when you assume....), I would like to know definitively where we stand in 2013.

I am not thin skinned, so if I speak out of line, making a statement that is factually incorrect, by all means, please correct me!

What I have gathered from reading different articles/discussion threads is somewhat confusing. When I go to collectorsuniverse, which is the virtual discussion venue for PSA, they tend to hold PSA in higher regard than BVG. This could be in part due to the registry, as well as the resale value of PSA being the highest of the three. Some of the discussions I have seen here tend to contradict that. I have seen members state that they have never had an issue with BVG (I believe the discussions dealt specifically with cross over grades). And while I have looked at Ebay, the BVG cards I've looked at appear to be pretty accurate in their overall grade.

Here's one example of a card I am very much interested in buying, a 1956 Topps Ted Williams:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1956-Topps-T...item20ce58ab99

"Buy the card, not the grade" has become my mantra since joining the forum (and I thank you all for that). Well, I look at this card, and what do I see? A 6 grade, excellent-mint. The corners are soft, but acceptable for the grade. The edges are pretty clean. The surface is clean, with vibrant colors, and the centering is quite nice (slightly up and to the left). Compared to similarly graded PSA examples, which are also in the same price range, I find BVG to be comparable in condition.

Based on the extensive experience you guys have, where do you currently sit in your opinion of the three companies? I've read that SGC has the best customer service (which is important to me, especially should I have questions). I've also read that they do crossover specials. Do they still do these? Because I have to admit, as far as slabs and flips go, SGC are superior in their displays, and it's not even close.

I'm not asking you all to reinvent the wheel. But if you would please share your current opinions of the big three, it will help me tremendously. If anything has changed recently (within the last year or so), it would be helpful to know.

Thanks, everybody!