[Blackie]

First off Great post Jeff. Here are what I consider to be pros and cons to both

Graded Pros:
-Chance to use a registry which is kinda fun and helps you build with other folks online
-Protection of cards and good holders (yep I said I it, I like the SGC holders a lot and love the way the black gaskets make the cards pop)
-Ability for your kids to hold the cards and play around with them with out too much damage if any especially if you have the graded card slip covers.
-The assurance of a card being authentic!

Graded Cons:
-Buying the holder and not the card in it based upon how you like to collect
-Costs are super inflated most times

Raw Pros:
-It was the way it was supposed to be. But is there really any way it is supposed to be. I mean the type writer was before the computer and we couldn't live without the computer now........so that's really just a hypothesis
-Ability to store them in any capacity you wish such as binders, top loaders etc.

Raw Cons:
-Authenticity questions......especially for those cards that are quick to be altered or duplicated (fakes)
-...............can't think of any more right now and I guess I better get to work

again great post Jeff