For me, a large set such as T206 has always been about quantity over quality. As long as a card is centered, I'm usually happy to add it to my set. I don't mind creases or even some back damage. I also have no preference on the back brand for this set. I'll make upgrades along the way, but generally I'm not too concerned about having some P-F cards in the set.
For smaller sets, such as '33 DeLong, '55 Topps hockey or '55 Topps All-American football, I took my time and went for quality because the small set size made it possible to be more discerning.
Also, I buy mostly raw and I crack almost all my graded cards from their slabs. I get buying TPG cards and understand that it adds some security (especially if you're buying mostly over the Internet), but I've saved lots of money over the years simply by educating myself and understanding the cards I'm seeking. For some of the more expensive cards I've purchased that were graded ('33 DeLong Gehrig or '55 Topps Gordie Howe, for example), I will usually leave them slabbed in case I ever need to liquidate them quickly.
Just my two cents.
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