First of best of luck on your quest. This is the Mount Everest of sets in the tobacco card world who my kidding in all sets of cards. I woul recommend checking this site out very helpful on the set if you haven't already,
http://t206resource.com. Anyway raw or graded it doesn't matter I myself like stuff graded to insure safe keeping and authenticity. I wouldn't dare touch this set, to many backs or variations to count. I like the polar bear backs myself and have started collecting those only in all conditions. Condition to me isn't everything sometimes it's just cool to say hey I own/owned that card. But then again my 34 goudey set I'm trying for grades of 5+. So do what feels right man and what u like. Best of luck