I like to open packs and look at and read the cards. Earlier this year, I opened my first case — 2011 Bowman Draft. Sold pretty much everything since then to recoup costs and then some. Made a couple hundred dollars off the case. Took the money and bought vintage for my PC. I don't remember the last time I paid for anything out of pocket. My modern collection is paying for my vintage collection plus grading fees. I also invested in some 2012 Bowman Chrome Cardinal prospects (Oscar Taveras and Carlos Martinez) that I plan to sell at the opportune time to fund my vintage PC.
For me, modern allows me to open packs while still building up my vintage PC
Andy