Thanks for your thoughtful arguments, Michael. However, let me counter with these:
1) Why would the original intent of the chipguide limit it to a "no expansion" policy? Everything grows or dies.
2) No disrespect to the California guides you mention, but they are woefully incomplete. There is also no cohesive system to identifying the chips, which would be addressed by expanding the chip guide. As stated in my original post, and expanding upon that, which would be easier: a) I have a Casino X, RHC pbb with 4 lime green and two green-yellow inserts, left handed twist with a beer chaser or b) I have Casino X, CG098765. Granted, explanation "a" provides more information, but descriptions like that could be given by the trader/seller after an initial inquiry.
3) I have no objection other than the sheer cost to individual guides, whether online or hard copy. I would just like to see them gathered in one place. Plus, look at the cost of individual guides: Chip Rack, $50, California chip guide, $35 (but now out of print according to the author), Guide to Washington State chips, $30, guide to Montana chips, $35, Florida book, cost unknown, Caribbean guide, not yet published. And don't ream me for incorrect prices, I'm just using those as memory serves me, and that's going out as I age.
4) I'm not asking anything of anybody I'm not willing to do myself. I would gladly begin the process, but that decision would be Greg's.
5) The only expansion-killer argument I can see is whether or not the sheer space needed is available or if the site bandwith could not handle it.