Jim,
I enjoyed your note and your well thought out conclusions. However, I disagree with your basic unwritten but inherent premise that "we" our club or respective members must assume the responsibility of stopping indviduals from purchasing "Fantasy Chips" they believe to be real casino chips.

WHY? As you know I am against slabbing. I am against repairing chips. However, long ago I have concluded that individuals who have made up their mind to purchase and collect casino chips have an indiviudal responsibility to invest some time and effort to learn about what they are collecting.

Unlike you - I don't cry when they get taken. I just shake my head and conclude they obviously are lazy, foolish or a combination of both. Please tell me why individulas would purchase an item for collection, investment or both WITHOUT learning about what they are about to purchase?

You feel bad about this behavior? I don't! It's called individual responsibility. As long as you spoon feed these individuals they will never learn.
My two cents -
Best to you, Jim