Paying for the card, not the holder?

[Throttlesteer]

We've all heard the saying, "Buy the card, not the holder". Most of us look for cards with superior eye appeal for the grade. Let's face it, there's a ton of variability within numeric grades, especially in the low-mid range stuff. But, I wonder if people also pay for the card, completely minimizing the consideration of the holder.

I ask because it seems many sellers are pricing their graded cards based on the first-glance appearance and not the actual numeric grade. I'm willing to pay a premium for a well-centered card with exceptionally high visual appeal for the grade. But, I'm not willing to pay for a 6 when the card still grades a 4. I'm also not willing to pay a huge premium for a "sharp" or "crisp" Authentic altered card over a numerically graded one.

What is your rule of thumb in this space?