Having been around before grading, I can say that it has been a big benefit to the hobby. The nonsense that was common before grading was excessive, and usually made little sense.
That 71 topps with the obvious marker touchups? That's just how the ink bled through to the sides. (Funny how it only did it at the corners)
That 33 Goudey the guy calls near mint despite the rounded corners and crease? It's "near mint for its age"
I wasn't a big fan of grading when it began, and I'm ambivalent now. Except that it made buying over a distance much easier, and made buying easier for investors. Some of those investors do in fact know a lot about cards. Just as some low end collectors don't. Yes, investing and easier sales either by mail or by internet have increased prices for the top condition stuff.(and in some cases held it down for the lesser stuff) But those rising prices have made a lot more cards available to everyone. How much great stuff would still be in attics or been trashed or recycled because it wasn't worth much?
Everyone in the hobby has a place, it's not necessarily the place I want to have, but it's all important.
Steve B
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