We ask why value dominates hobby conversation—and whether comps have become a shortcut that replaces independent thought. The panel dissects price as a heuristic, the risks of “comps culture,” and real show-floor scenarios when no comp exists. Then: the 1951 Bowman vs. 1952 Topps Mantle debate, a Bond Bread Jackie Robinson rabbit hole, Messi Mega Cracks headline math, and whether an “oddball era” is arriving. We close by questioning why collectors seek non-hobby approval and revisit whether cards were ever truly “for kids.”

Highlights

Price as shorthand vs. context: when comps help—and when they mislead

Show tactics with no comp: fairness, phone-a-friend, and game theory

51 Bowman (rookie) vs. 52 Topps (icon): “scoreboard” vs. what you value

Bond Bread Jackie primer and the case for mispriced early/rarer issues

Flippers, bounties, pumps: predatory cases vs. real services

Do outsiders’ opinions matter? Ego, validation, and why context wins

Origins chat: tobacco & candy tie-ins, Rogers Peet, business-card roots

Mailday: 2007 The Cup All-Star Royalty Bobby Orr auto /7 cameo

Recorded live Sept 27, 2025

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