[Peter_Spaeth]

To me, the intent of the alteration, or its effect on the grade, are irrelevant. Although as previously stated I understand and am sympathetic to the predicament Al found himself in (which he probably could have avoided by examining the card more closely to begin with, but whatever), in my opinion when you stake out a clear and unequivocal position (I won't sell an altered card) you should stick to it. Period. Yes, it royally sucked that it came up on the last day of the auction, but to me the effort to finesse the situation and make exceptions on the fly was not the right approach. Again, just my opinion, and said with all respect and continued high regard for Al and LOTG.