It really depends on how the hobby decides to recognize varieties and variations. So far there's no consistent defenition. Some recognized variations aren't from different plates. (the 81 topps missing the top frame lines) And some stuff from different printings/plates isn't recognized or cataloged. (91 topps that have light or dark logos on the backs - or odder still 1991 topps that have back ink that luminesces under a uv light or that doesn't react)
And each collector should decide what level of craziness they want to participate in. I do think that the official lists for registries or the big book should only cover the more major differences.
But there should also be some published lists of the fine details of each set.
Stuff like the tiny Doyle differences, and m'rray and nodgrass. I think the Doyles are erasures done directly on the plate, and the others are from worn plates or plates that had dirt during the plate making process. Obstructed prints where dirt etc gets in the way are far less common, and usually turn up as fisheyes.
Steve B
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