Larry; I think I know the answer ... but let me ask you this very pertinent question for the benefit of others who may not know.

You left out one significant part of your history lesson. What comparible hobby groups (such as CC & GTCC) are there in the Beanie Babies, comics, and/or sports cards hobby to fairly represent those collector's views?

I know the ANA (American Numismatic Association) is supposed to be the voice of coin collectors ... but it was ANA who introduced slabbing into the coin hobby through ANACS and then sold the slabbing operation to an outside company.

By comparison, I'm glad that it was not CC & GTCC who introduced slabbing into the chip hobby.... and it was only through very vigorous opposition by the CC & GTCC membership who managed to keep it out. Several of our past and present club officers ALMOST gave slabbing their blessing through their misguided vote.