John; If you have some concrete proof to your "wonderings" ... I would suggest that you be more specific. I currently enjoy a hard earned reputation of possibly being one of the "big names" in the hobby who is opposed to slabbing ... and I don't appreciate possibly being lumped (by others, via incorrect conclusion) into fitting the profile of your vague hypothetical scenario.

Is it possible that some of the "big names" you refer to have been doing some covert investigation work on behalf of the club (with the club officer's full knowledge and support) in order provide proof/evidence in a court case the club has pending? Is it possible the only way to obtain and provide this proof is to purchase the evidence being used in court ... since some of the people who have ordered and purchased much of this bogus material are not willing to come forward and offer testimony?

For the record... I've never had a chip fixed, I've never paid for a fixed chip, I've never had a chip slabbed... and no; I'm not a part of the current investigation.

Yes, I am one of those "who are fighting so hard to keep this practice out of the hobby" ... and I am vigorously opposed to slabbing.