I grade to keep the value of my personal collection high. It is no different than buying the same model auto. One of them is nicer and has more fetures than the other. It is only fair in our society that the nicer "anything" gets more money. The books I buy pay no credence to plaques & Jetons, exept for to give them catatories. I want mine in the best. Even without criteria the market will determine that in the end.