Good post skybolt.I`ve been in the hobby for 10 yrs or(off and on) but have limited expearience in buying from ebay.I do know that with ebay you are usually safer to go with a CGC book than a raw one.Like you,I have found that often the books are overgraded.It`s not a good feeling to be drooling for that book in VF/NM you won and then to find out it is more like a VF-(or has a hidden defect).So far I only own three CGC books(all from ebay)but I like the peace of mind of knowing what I get.
You are right about ole Spidey.ASMs from the 60s-80s increase in guide value on a consistant basis...kinda like inflation,eh? My advice to a newer collector would be if you enjoy ASM find a couple at a grade and price you can live with and....BUY IT! I inventoried my bronze ASMs recently and could`nt believe the books I had bought for chump change added up to $1356.00! I`d never sell any of them,though....each one has a story.haha