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E, DanielOooh, the water's warm.
The story line itself of possible impropriety by an important auction house is intriguing enough, but not nearly so interesting as the by-play between Jeff and Dan.
For my penny, I would say that I understand Dan's feelings more easily.
I would guess that he has had only positive dealings with Mastro, enjoys the hobby, feels that the hobby's standing is better off for the class and style of vendor auction houses such as Mastro, and would like to believe that he can participate without any associated grimey criminal behaviour mucking with his enjoyed pastime.
Jeff, I'm not exactly too sure of your interests.......your desire to "plug" and "push" the idea of possible criminal activity as entirely plausible could only really be coming from the opposite place to Dan's. Somehow, sowing the seeds of doubt and mistrust of Mastros actions in the hobby is validated to you - by I guess the desire for collectors to not be "blinded" to some possible home truths.....
I can't however see, that anyone's enjoyment of this hobby can be helped by such conjecture and promulgating minus the public airing of cold hard facts and subsequent charges. Can any of us go now, and happily bid on items at said auction houses and not be slightly queasy with the concerns aired and harped upon in the story and by yourself?
Me, I'm going to treat the issue as a complete unknown, and enjoy my hobby as best my wallet can manage.
Oh, and I'll take Mastro's cataglog, merchandise, and insane fees, over anyone elses in the industry right now, though they all get my due fawning and glassy eyed admiration!
Daniel