I agree with Jim on this the fact that the overall appearance isn’t weighed more into the grading system is silly to me. It’s not hard to consider things like color, clarity, registration etc. Heck they do this with precious gems…
I’ve spent the better part of my collecting looking for just the right cards. I will always pass on the higher grade for the lower grade if the card looks better. At the end of the day it is the card you are buying not the holder for me at least. Most all of my collection cards have the visual appearance of at least 2 grades higher when they can be obtained.
A few that look better than their assigned grades..IMO..you may disagree.
I can’t understand why someone would pay a hefty premium for a 7, 8, and 9 when they can have a better looking 4-5. In fact I think auction houses need to a better job calling out collections that have amazing eye appeal. In many ways it’s harder to say put together a T206 set where each card is amazing in every aspect not just the technical aspects of corners and centering.
I also think there should be a small premium or value to buying a collection or set that has the visual appeal of more $$ cards..but that is just my two cents.
Cheers,
John