Exactomundo Gene. The "elite" control the whole show in cards, stamps, coins and the like.

In chip collecting we the members have most of the control, because it's run by collectors not investors, and vultures. The club runs the convention, not some promoter.

If someone wants to buy a graded, slabbed chip, the fact is, they aren't a collector, they are a buyer. Collectors actually go out and find chips. We actually go to a casino and pick them up in person, in circulation. Often begging at the cage, asking friends, searching flea markets and antique shops.

Buyers just buy it and box it, in hopes they can make money off the sale someday in the future. That isn't collecting!

ps I still collect nickels, because you can find almost ever Jefferson made, in circulation today. I say almost because I'm still missing some, but someday I will have every one, right out of pocket change.

I buy LEs for face value or trade one for one, or have friends pick them up for face value. I seldome buy a LE over face, because "that ain't collecting" ;-)