Jim; Your post was extremely interesting to read in that I consider you to be extremely knowledgeable about chips in general. However, I wonder what the purpose of your last paragraph was if you are truly interested in the chip hobby? There is nothing "crazy" about discussing possible pitfalls to our hobby. Some may want to put their heads in the sand and think that nothing will come of this latest potential incursion into our "FUN" hobby. When the "FUN" is taken out of it, and it becomes simply, "how rare and how much", it will be too late. Collect for the fun and joy of collecting. Invest in the stock market and real estate. If the time comes when one wishes to dispose of their collections and they made a few bucks on the deal.... or a significant profit has been realized over all those years of enjoyment and pride of ownership ..... that's a terrific bonus. Don't lay awake at nights worrying about one's slabbed chip portfolio. When the economy of this country begins to decline, the first things that are affected in declining values are collectibles. ALL COLLECTIBLES. Enjoy your hobby for the fun of it. Leave the investments for the speculators.

INFLUENCE COUNTS! USE IT!