Posted By:
barrysloateAdam- I've long agreed with your position and I believe every collector should learn how to grade his own cards and not be so dependent upon a grader who may not know very much at all.
But one area where I am the first to admit I need assistance is detecting alterations. That's where a grading service, having both sophisticated equipment and ostensibly the knowledge to detect them, could be a huge asset to the hobby.
But they seem to be dropping the ball on it, and if altered cards continue to get graded then the hobby is headed for a big fall.