You're missing a hell of a game if you don't dabble in modern. The modern sets (some) offer beautiful artwork and designs and great pictures of great players.
I am by no means a fan of modern cards but I'd not consider my collection to be complete without a nice Ichiro or Kershaw card, or other HOFers from the era. i try to get them signed:
I too will pick up RCs of guys I think have chance at the HOF. I picked up a couple of Buster Posey RCs last year because his numbers are better than several HOF catchers and they sell for very little.
I'll even pick up some of the modern art cards if I like the way they look:
