1) The straightening of heat warped chips
(I don't think that qualifies as altering)
2) Removal of varnish and/or glue
(I don't think that qualifies as altering)
3) Repairing rim nicks
(This is altering as you are adding something to the chip.)
4) Gluing broken chips with pigmented glue to avoid the appearance of hairline cracks
(Repairing is altering)
5) Re-gluing of inlays that have detached
(I don't think this is altering, maybe "restoring"?)
6) Replacing broken chunks of the chip and inserts
(adding material that wasn't there - I think it's altering)
7) Removing of chips from key rings, money clips and bolo ties
(unless they are shaved chip, I don't see where teh problem is)
8) Resurfacing of chips damaged in concrete or by cigarette burns
(altering)
9) Swapping good inlays from damaged chips to good chips
10) Removing hot stamp cancellation and/or the reconditioning of an actual hot stamp
(Altering)
11) Making replica inlays by copying good ones
(Counterfeiting)
12) Coating brass core slugs with new plastic
(Don't know much about that particular process)
13) Repair of drill cancellation
(A problem - as noted even if sold as "repaired" they will eventually find their way into other collections)
14) Concealment of cancellations
(Dishonest and fraud)

Just my 2 cents. I clean some, don't touch others - depends on a lot of things. I don't think removing dirt is altering a chip - maybe "restoring" if you really stretch it.

Overall I agree - some of this is very bad for the hobby - worse than Borland's scam.

Let's face it - if the profit is there, a chip can be reproduced and that will really hurt all chip collectors.

Cheers,

Sonny