I don't think CGC's grading has been getting soft. That being said, I'd say that the Showcase #4 CGC 9.6 in Heritage's auction right now looks much lower than a 9.6.
Buying the book, not the grade is great advice, but seeing the CGC grade will definitely get you close to what you're expecting. Someone's raw grading may differ quite a lot from your own grading and that's where I see the usefulness of buying a CGC graded book. I've been disappointed so many times buying raw, yet I still find myself going back for more.
I dunno, Shep. :shrug: Trust your instincts, buy what you like, all's fair in love and war comics....and all that jazz. (thumbs u
Andy