When I was going after these books, I had my checklist of all the books and just went after anything that I didn't have. I only avoided books with detached covers, all else was fair game.
If I were to do it again, I'd probably go after books that were 4.0 and above. But, don't limit yourself by buying one title at a time, because as you suspected, some decent books (or decent deals) will slip right by you.
Good luck!
Thanks for the advice! I'm trying to get at least 4.0 (for the SA stuff), but if it has an intact cover and the price is good, I've been buying those too. I can always sell off the under copies down the road.
I once had the notion to go for this as well but the fact that I would have to buy portions of runs that I didn't care about killed it for me. I love Big 5 war books, but there are parts of runs on OFF, AAMOW, and SSWS that I have zero interest in buying.
I didn't think I would like the Dinos in SSWS, but I found them a fun read. Guns and Dinos, what is not to like.
I've got to say +1 here. I originally avoided the dinosaur books because they were always pricey in the guide and I felt so much more was a better value. When I ended up getting the Showcase compilation "War That Time Forgot" I ended reading the whole book and enjoying the heck out of it!! Who would have thunk it??