Agreed. Even if it is a "reseal" in which the box wasn't opened, they should have made the submitter remove the wrap or no grade. I sent in a similar game to WATA, and they graded as new, however, removed the wrap and stated as such in the label. I also own a VGA game with no cello that graded as standard but noted "no cello" on label. This one is a very big miss IMO

It’s M’AM!!!

 

"A" family member....

It was the great sticker accident of '98.

Ontario will never forget, ever.
 

So I am back... Sorta. In all cases nobody remembers me so no backstory is needed. In all cases I ended up voting for VGA.

When it comes to their grading system, it is easy for me to follow:

- GOLD = Super case fresh (100) to being in a case (or a solo shipment) that might have experienced a bumpy ride (85+).
- SILVER = Near case fresh (85) to levels of moderate shelf wear (75).
- BRONZE = Heavier shelf wear (70) to what some people want their graded games to look like (10).

[NOTE: In the case of 85+ being gold is due to the fact that the item will show no signs of being put out for sale. Which makes it look case fresh. But it will also show signs of not being ideally packed, when the destination is either the retailer or VGA. Either way those submitting their games are not sending them footage of how they got said items. And that has them deduce the item was purchased before a retail store employee had the chance to do something that adds any post-case wear to the item.]

Because they grade things in this manner I feel like my submitted items were given what Doctor's would refer to as being a "full physical." I can side with the argument that the wrapping deserves its own sub-grade. But that is because if the box received a lower grade that people might notice, that will become the overall grade. And even do the opposite if it was not significant enough to mention. Just like how a Doctor will say you look great but these are the issues you need to be aware of.

Meanwhile WATA's grading system sounds more like a partial physical that has you go to a dermatologist just to make sure your skin is clear. Your skin is part of you, so why can't the wrapping be treated the same way? It's just odd that they did it that way.

Overall, I always say that the perfect grader is one with Asperger's who was trained to be the next Sherlock Holmes. And I am speaking from experience since I have Asperger's and it has totally disrupted my chance to have an ideal collection. Which is why I am starting over in both the AFA and VGA collecting game. I need a company that is both budget friendly and readily available. And both are tied to what VGA is offering before I can even set that part of my goals into motion.

Then again... I have two minor issues with VGA. But that was also my fault. And I got rid of that game because of reasons created by those who sucked the fun of owning it.

[EDIT: I should also note that price tags are also seen as a “downgrade” when it is written on, showing age-based issues, and/or removed to some degree. Otherwise it tends to be treated as part of the overall packaging.]