I wish to also send my condolences to you Steve. I am truly sorry for your loss.
I think everyone is getting a little to hung up on this rating stuff. If I asked your opinion on a particular flavor ice cream on a scale of 1 to 10 or 1 to 100, should I ask only a person with expert taste buds? If a person rates a chip on any scale and it is understood that it is based on his opinion, and the chip is not returned, does that make him an expert? I know Ron for many years. He has been rating chips since the beginning and has never had a chip returned by me or anyone else for that matter. If it works for him, or anyone else I see no problem. However if an establised scale is quoted than it better meet that criteria or standard. But if it doesn't than the chip should be able to be returned for a full refund. As far as criteria I agree, inlay position and even insert position means a lot to me in terms of the beauty of a chip and not just the condition of the rim although that is also very important. I have many chips and some I consider real beauties. But there is no question that when I got my Resorts 1st issue $25.00 or Brighton $25 or the Park Place $25.00 with Orange inserts that not much choice was available, and condition was not as important as just having the chip period. Fortunately mine are all in very good condition in my opinion. I would love to get a Resorts 2nd edition (Green with 8 blue inserts) in just about any condition (except damaged or cancelled of course) Just to have it in my collection is all that counts to me. Lastly I did not mean any disrespect to any collectors with the Atlantis Dollar I listed on E-Bay. I figured I would go on record saying this before I start getting any hate E-Mail. Also with Ron's track record I think he may qualify as an excellent rating expert. He is a lot better than I am for sure.