It's confusing because in the same thread guys keep saying they pull short cards from packs.

I don't think that is it. Goldin Auctions recently had a far more desirable card, the 03/04 Ultimate Collection Logoman Lebron James Auto 1/1. PWCC recently sold the most desirable Michael Jordan card outside of a few 1/1s, the 97/98 Upper Deck Game Jersey Auto /23. I would argue that is also more desirable than the Exquisite LeBron /99.

From CLCT annual report:

As of June 30, 2018, we employed 3 autograph experts who joined the Company in the last two years, as well as outside consultants that we sometimes use on a contract basis.

3*50 weeks *40 hours =6000 hours. That is 35 autograph certifications per hour. Even if you have contracted guys, you are not getting to a manageable number. Look at all the work they say goes into authenticating an autograph in 1:42 (assuming 2 weeks vacation, no bathroom breaks, no sick days, no out of office days, and you are a robot that just churns all day long every second aside from an hour for lunch):

The vintage autograph authentication business is distinctly different from the “signed-in-the-presence” authentication of autographs where an “authenticator” is present and witnesses the actual signing. Our vintage autograph authentication service involves the rendering of an opinion of authenticity by an industry expert based on (i) an analysis of the signed object, such as the signed document or autographed item of memorabilia, to confirm its consistency with similar materials or items that existed during the signer’s lifetime; (ii) a comparison of the signature submitted for authentication with exemplars of such signatures; and (iii) a handwriting analysis. As of June 30, 2018, we employed 3 autograph experts who joined the Company in the last two years, as well as outside consultants that we sometimes use on a contract basis.
In June 2004, we also began offering grading services for autographs, beginning with baseballs containing a single signature or autograph. We use uniform grading standards that we have developed and a numeric scale of 1-to-10, with the highest number representing top quality or “Gem Mint” condition. We assign grades to the collectibles based on the physical condition or state of preservation of the autograph.

By contrast, they are grading 14 cards per hour according to the same metrics with 63 employees, which also seems high, but whatever.

Plenty of other yellow/red flags from their annual report if curious.

After spending the last few days browsing modern cards, I've come to the conclusion that pre-war is cheap. Nice Old Judges and T206 cards for $500-$1,000? Pftt...bargain bin stuff. That's like the minimum price for your common 1/1 turbo refractor auto/patch relic card...and there's thousands of them! Maybe it's a bubble? Maybe not? Who knows...