I would much rather purchase an uncertified autograph (from a dealer or AH that I trust) that I feel certain is real, and that has no LOA, than one that I am not sure about that has a full letter from JSA or PSA. Pre-cert or full letter means nothing to me, but I like it when they come with my autograph, as they add confidence for my customers if I re-sell.
I can't imagine mothballing my skills and judgement and handing that responsibility over to Spence or Grad, but we shouldn't forget that there are guys who just want to own an expensive autograph and aren't really collectors, who have to rely exclusively on PSA or JSA, simply because they don't visit forums and thus are not aware of alternatives. The problem, of course, is when they accidentally become friends with someone who knows autographs, and that person comes over for a martini and picks up the forged Ruth ball on the mantel and winces. Most of us would just spit up our olive and try not to drop the ball.
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