I also agree with your sentiment re: Campy and the like. My greatest hobby regret was saving up and coming up about $50 short of sending in his HOF plaque.
I'm really close on gold plaques now so believe me, I hovered over the "best offer" button on that Jeter for a minute or two. I decided that I will take my chances of getting one at the next signing he does, hopefully signed in Sharpie and not steadtler or however it's spelled. It's always cool adding a new name to the want list but it can definitely be nerve racking at the same time!