I think it comes down to what you feel comfortable collecting. It is about what you would like to/ want to see in your collection when you are looking at your cards- if it makes you happy, then all is good.
Me, I have found a happy medium with cards that are graded, or will grade V/G to V/G-E/X. I prefer them graded, and will collect SGC, BVG, and PSA. I steer clear of cards with the "A" because it bugs me that it's been tampered with( I only collect T206's- if I collected other types, my opinion of the "A" grade may differ) and also cards graded 1 (poor) but thats only because they are just a little too beat up for me. Nothing against people who like them-in fact, I do like to look at other peoples "beaters"
,,, but I am slightly picky- so a card graded 3-4 fits just about right.
And if you will spend $10-$15 on a beater T206 common, why not save another $10-$15 and pick up one that has no creases or paper loss? It may take ALOT longer to see major progress on a limited budget, but if you plan on being in it for the long haul, what's the difference?
Just my 2 cents,,,,,,,if the cards with an "A" fit your budget and make you happy, nothing wrong with that. Same goes for the cards graded poor.
Here's to wishing you well on your hunting and collecting
Sincerely, Clayton