[barrysloate]

Joann makes a point that I've always maintained, that it is impossible to have so many grades and be able to pinpoint each card to its exact grade every time. Part of why this works is the perception that the graders can do it. If your card comes back 6.5 you assume the grader has put an incredible amount of time and care into ascertaining this precise number. But it isn't because if you resubmit it, the next time it might be a 6 or 7. In that respect collectors have been duped into accepting a level of precision that doesn't actually exist.

Now Peter makes a good point too, and that is grading is thriving. I guess there are a few reasons. First, collectors are extremely concerned about card altering and they want an impartial expert to examine each and every card to determine whether or not it is original as issued. And for me this is the most important service the graders provide. Second, there is something about the numerical system that greatly appeals to collectors. I guess we all like to have some kind of certainty in our lives, especially where a lot of money is involved. But I repeat that it is only a perceived precision. I respect that the graders do have skills and try to get it right every time, but it is simply impossible for the human eye to detect so many minute levels of progression within the grading system. In that respect, the graders have pulled one over on us. They have collectors believing that they are able to take a subjective discipline and make it extremely precise. Kudos to them for pulling this off.

And one final thought: wouldn't collectors like to learn how to grade cards themselves? Once a third party has checked a card for doctoring, is it really that difficult for any experienced collector to learn how to grade? Maybe a newbie doesn't have the confidence level and needs the assistance of an expert. That's fine, and a worthy service. But learning to grade, IMO, is part of the fun and challenge of the hobby. Frankly, after almost thirty years of doing this I think I could do it as well as the pros. But I gave it up a long time ago, because nobody will take my word over what is printed on the slab.