Posted By:
tbobI, too, have been depressed about having been "taken" on a card deal when I later (too late) find out about a card alteration, etc, but you have to just step back, take a little time off and reassess and get back in to what gives you pleasure, the hobby of collecting vintage cards.
As far as cards having been soaked, I have never had a seller tell me that a card I was purchasing had been previously soaked. In fact, some of the nicest and toughest cards I have purchased have come from sellers (some on this board) who I consider honest and fair but who know exactly the best procedure from removing paper and glue from cards. I don't let that bother me. I don't consider that card alteration and if it improves the cards eye appeal and also value, I look at it as a plus. There is just no way I know of for the average collector to detect if a card has been soaked...