I think something that is lost in this discussion is that the Chicago and Cleveland shows are very well attended and dealers report excellent sales. Obviously, I'm biased because I live in the Chicago area and love having the National here. It's a tremendous show. If you haven't been to one, you MUST go. The amount of cards and memorabilia on display, along with rarity, variety and beauty, is staggering.
Also, if you're coming to my fair city next month, here's a tip on some off-the-beaten-path places to see:
Check out Graceland Cemetery at 4001 N. Clark, just a short walk from Wrigley Field, burial place of fighter Jack Johnson and other historical figures (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graceland_Cemetery).
Also check out Oak Woods Cemetery on the South Side (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oak_Woods_Cemetery), burial place of Cap Anson and Kenesaw Mountain Landis, to name a few.