For my T206 set i collect almost only raw cards. I buy graded card only when it is for the high valuable cards.

I have been collecting for 38 years, and all my cards are "raw," un-graded, and in sheets in binders. I have never purchased a graded card. I do understand the need to purchase only "graded" cards if you are considering a 1952 Topps Mantle, or one of the 1933 Goudey Ruths, or high end T206s (and other high-dollar, highly sought cards), but since my collection has none of these, I am content with what I have. When searching eBay, I usually do a -sgc and -psa to see the raw cards, especially T206s.

Heck, it took me 10+ years to get all my collection from shoe boxes and card company shipping boxes into sheets and albums...

My collection used to be totally raw...but when I got back into vintage hard core 15-20 yrs ago...TPG's had infiltrated the hobby...and due to boredom and some crazy valuations... my collection has become mostly expendible...so today most of my cards are graded as when I sell/trade them this has become necessary to optimize transactions.

I haven't been cracking slabs recently but prefer them raw. Only about 5% of my T206s are slabbed.

Yes. Even when they aren't raw... I make them raw... haha