This is NOT a great argument for slabbing!!

If someone with Gene's chip knowledge and experience can't be 100% positive that any given chip has/hasn't been "modified/altered/repaired", how do you expect any 3rd party grader to know?

As an example, consider a chip that's only known in drilled condition according to the guides. If you see that chip in "mint" condition you should be cautious, maybe the hole has been filled. Putting that same chip in a slab is no guarantee that it hasn't been filled...just because an anonymous grader says it's ms97 (or whatever)...???

Personally I'd rather have a drilled chip than a filled chip, but a repaired chip is better than a slabbed chip....at least I can touch the chip!

Collect what you love and enjoy yourself... there's a lot more RIGHT with the hobby than there is wrong with it.