Is it still possible to build a pre-war collection while avoiding TPGs altogether?

[the 'stache]

Hmm, I've never thought about that. Cards that appear better than the technical grade they get because some minor flaw that most people wouldn't see brought it down.

That might be helpful to remember down the road, as for me, a card's eye appeal means more to me than the grade, so long as there are no major issues, like paper loss. I can handle some very slight creases that are difficult to see. I like centered cards, but they don't have to be perfectly centered, just close. The T206 cards in the PSA 4 to 5 range are perfect for me.