I did something similar .
Started off trying to get 1 regular issue hofer in every topps and bowman 'base' issue 48 thru 79 for the same purpose you stated: to have in hand the evolution of the cards over the years.
Then that task evolved to collecting at least one of each hofer to play in that period.
Then since I realized I would end up with multiple cards from some years if I collected one of each hofer, my ocd kicked in and I decided to collect 5 cards from each year and attempt to get at least 2 of each hofer.
That track lasted me a year or two, then I read a thread about "topps completionists" in which the OP asked how many people tried to collect every regular issue topps card (something along those lines - here is the thread
http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...=completionist) It inspired me to go for my own version of "topps completionism"
So, now my original goal of 1 per year has evolved into "every topps/bowman base set regular issue card of all hall of famers in their active years"
all low grade fair/good/vg as fits my budget
so, be careful!