But not for any grandiose reasons, or any particular altruism for the future of the hobby (though I truly think it would suck BIG time if all chips available were slabbed - because I would never buy one - unless I could somehow break it out of the slab).

I don't care if slabbers are let into the conventions, because I just would pass by their tables. I would not buy a slabbed chip.

However, my reasons are simple. I collect chips (limited edition or not) because I LIKE to have the chips I collect. I like to hold them in my hands...and consider the others who might have held them before me. I like to hold a piece of history in my hot lil' hand and know that it is just as it was the last time someone stuck it in his/her pocket and left the table for home.

I would argue with the same sentiments about my football card collection, my coin collection, and my classic car collection ;)

I think every time a collectible is slabbed, a piece of the world dies. (omg...how dramatic am I?) ;)

It seems that if you want folks to accept your position as a slabber, you would do well to use the "honey" approach rather than the "vinegar" one.

I like it when people express opinions different than mine. But don't particularly care for it when they foist those opinions on me with impunity.

THAT just chaps my drawers.