[shaunsteig]

I'm gonna partially agree with what's been posted. Eye appeal is certainly my starting point -- I have to enjoy viewing the card after purchasing, rather than simply enjoying its position on some spreadsheet or registry. I've had occasions where I got a "bargain" for the given technical grade but ultimately due to eye appeal didn't end up enjoying the card. In situations of the reverse (ie low grade but strong eye appeal), I've never been disappointed.

Where I might deviate from the other posts is that I won't overpay for the eye appeal alone. Meaning the technical grade will determine the price that I'm willing to pay, but I won't go outside of it. I don't collect to resell, but I do feel that I need to protect myself in case that I do end up selling things (ie, times change, or I end up with a duplicate after a lot purchase, or I end up upgrading the card). So for that reason I avoid paying beyond the usual price for a given grade.

Good question, thanks for starting the discussion.
--S