Mark:

I do agree with the gist of your comments, and most of what you say, to the extent I know enough to have any opinion. However, I think you cross the line with your comments about "junk" chips. It has an air of condescention and superiority that I doubt you intend and does not help your point get across. The great thing about this hobby is that so many people approach it in so many different ways. Many are drawn to unusual or niche areas, or have particular preferences that are their own. It is not for anyone to say that one set of criteria is correct for collectors, or that chips that do not appeal to you should not appeal to others. That is for each to decide. Monetary value is only one measure of the worth of the chip. If it is the primary measure for some, that is fine. But, it does not have to be, and it is not, the only way to view the value of a chip. What's more, I doubt that Mr. Nestle cares if you, or I, believe that the chips he cherishes are worthy chips. Not everyone can collect the high level, ultra expensive chips, or even the moderately expensive chips. That is no reason to denegrate their collections.

JMHO

Michael Siskin