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Jason LI thought about posting something similar last week but my idea lost momentum somewhere along the way.
I think both you and Fred C make great observations.
I recently bought a T206 Keeler w/bat SGC AUTH. It is obviously trimmed. But you know what, it's absolutely stunning-gorgeous to see in person - looks like an 8, easily! I paid $128, and thought it was a little high at the time, but not after I got it in my hands.
I know it's altered, but I also know it's the real thing. And I didn't have to part with thousands that I don't have in order to get it.
You know what, I do think it's going to continue to become more accepted. Simply because it's the only way for many people to participate. and that is only going to get worse as prices escalate.
Similarly, I have started buying (settling for) cards with nice fronts and damaged backs, instead of shelling out more for a solid VG or VG-EX card. For instance, I pulled the trigger on a T206 Zach Wheat with plenty of glue stuff on the back, graded a SGC 20. Front looks like a 5 and the back is miserable. But you know what?
1) I only look at the front
2) turns out I can't really afford a Zach Wheat in true EX!
Caveat:
I have not yet been able to accept altered post-war cards because I know the supply is far greater and I hope to locate nice examples at affordable prices more easily.