What's to explain? The problem of casinos issuing "chase strikes" to rip off collectors while "so-called collectors" make wild a** claims on ebay?

I don't play that game Kirk, and I don't chase after "chase strikes" ... just like I don't purchase every hyped-up mint product that is released by the U.S. Government. But that's me ... and I'm not suggesting that everyone else do the same.

There are crooks in every phase of collecting. One must become knowledgeable in your particular field of collecting (just like you have) in order to avoid being taken advantage of.

My daddy used to offer me this sound advice about playing pool, "Son; you're going to wind up buying lots of rounds of beers before you learn how to play this game."

Your concern about newcomers to the hobby is admirable, but it's no different today. ALL OF US have made mistakes buying, trading and selling silver strikes.... and the new-comer to the hobby will be no different. Consider it the cost of our collective educations. We take our lumps and hopefully we all learn from them and move on.

Collect whatever one likes. I don't chase after the gimmick chase strikes ... which is what function they were intended for by the casinos. To hear of "players pumping in 100s of $$$" ... to get a chase strike is beyond my realm of comprehension. The same players may pump in 100's of $$$ chasing after a progressive slot machine jackpot as well. That's why they call it "gambling".

Just this one man's opinion.