[kcohen]

I am going to dissent, at least in part. The possibly misleading numbers aside, there is an aspect of this approach that I find appealing. Gone are the inherent subjectivity and blatant inconsistencies of the numerical grading system. I don't much care for the grading thing in the first place, I admit it. But I recognize the need for it in the internet world. I would love to see a recognized and accepted system whereby cards would be slabbed authentic and unaltered only - allowing the collector to discern value and appeal based on aesthetics instead of some near invisible technical flaw in the paper. We wouldn't have to endure all of the "strong for the grade" or "severely undergraded'' crap. Maybe the credo "buy the card, not the holder" wouldn't ring so hollow anymore.

Of course, none of this could ever happen since the paper graders' ox would be gored.

Just one man's point of view.