Obviously Ric you didn't read my post. I encourage everyone to attend the seminar.

As far as me purchasing a $1000 chip. No I have never purchased one. However if I were to purchase one....

1] I wouldn't want to pay an additional premium of $50-100 for someones opinion which may or may not be consistent with someone elses. PROVES NOTHING

2] As Jim Episale mentioned the club code of ethics would protect us regarding purchases from members.

While no expert on condition, I also don't walk around with dark glasses and a white cane if a chip was damaged significantly I certainly don't need to subject it to an electron microscope for analysis to determine if its scratched or nicked.

Things in the chipping community have worked well for all these years. We don't need a group of uninterested profiteers invading our hobby solely for the purpose of personal gain.