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Josh K.I agree that that the premium can be explained by the fact that as a purchaser you are also purchasing the knowledge (in most instances) that the card is authentic, unaltered, etc.
While the card may theoretically have the same value as an identical unslabbed card, unless you are an expert, you do not know that the unslabbed card is authentic and unaltered - and even if you are an expert, in many instances you will need to see the card in person to make that determination. Slabbing eliminates that issue and, in my opinion, is worth the premium that you pay.
As to beckett and krause, my belief has always been that beckett focuses on new issues and does not pay close attention to vintage materials - hence the price differences.