I'm kinda funny when it comes to comps. I tend to look at them more after I buy something than before. I try to buy stuff on whether or not I like it, and if I like it at the price being offered.
Example: About a year ago, I bought a 1967 Mantle card at auction. I looked at the photos, and knew the BIN price was $100. Its not Mantle's best or most attractive card, and its towards the end of his career. I didn't currently have a Mantle card in my collection, so I bought it. It sat in my collection for at least a year before I sent it to SGC for grading and it came back as a 4. Then and only then did I look to see what SGC 4's were selling for. Yeah, I made a little on the purchase, but I love the card just the same as when i bought it, not any more because its worth more money. No matter the grade, or even if I kept it raw, the price I paid was what I thought was fair for the card that I was looking at, without knowing what anyone else's thoughts or past purchases may indicate.
I understand how money influences this hobby. Doesn't mean I have to like it though.
