Transparency vs Black Box + Grader Notes + What Cards are Bubble Proof

We continue with Joe Poirot from Santa Cruz and Graig Miller of Midlife Cards to unpack the PSA ex-employee interview, NDAs, research room mechanics, potential bias, and why transparency and grader notes still lag. Jeremy recalls a 2009 PSA tour, we react to regrade experiments and consistency concerns, and debate what is truly bubble resistant: low supply icons or well centered, high eye appeal copies. Then it is the set registry’s relevance, whether graders should be certified and better paid, and Joe signs off while teeing up a Messi vs Gretzky GOAT question for later. Highlights NDA takeaways and research room vs grading room implications Tours, grader notes, and whether new tech equals tougher grading Regrade experiments, inconsistency, and the cost of resubs What holds value best: low supply icons vs centered, high eye appeal copies Set registry reality: leaderboard vs true card quality Should graders be certified and paid like professionals Part wraps with Joe’s exit and a Messi vs Gretzky prompt for later Recorded: Saturday, September 13, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices