All of your points are valid; that is, in a perfect world.  As
previously mentioned, it does not matter what method is used
to grade a shell -- some collectors/ dealers will follow the
grading system to a "T", while others will "flex" the system
for their own needs.

The revolution of posting pictures to the Web has changed the
way shells are bought and sold, but this will work as a
grading guide only if one shell is being offered in a lot.
Many dealers illustrate one representative shell when more
than one is available; a few others illustrate every shell
they have in stock, but not always from a variety of angles.
That limits the usefulness of the picture as a grading guide.
 It helps, but it is not the end-all for evaluating the
quality of a shell.

Much like shell dealers work to learn about the interests of
their customers, so should the customer learn about the way a
shell dealer grades shells.  Don't go by hearsay -- purchase a
small amount from a dealer of interest and need if the grading
and description of the shell matches your expectations.  After
a few purchases you will either have a good feeling about your
purchases, or you will move on.

So whether you use F+, G, 8, 7.5 or whatever, subjectivity
will always drive the method of grading.  The use of ++ and
+++ after a letter-grading became commonplace in a effort to
flex the letter-grading-system. If you know that a dealer is
consistent in their grading, then you have done much of your
homework.

The point is - if you truly know how a shell dealer grades
shells, then it doesn't matter if the hobby stays the course
with the Hawaiian Malacological Society's (ancient ;-) 1970's
method of grading, or if a numerical method of grading shells
supersedes it.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it -- if it needs fixin', call
the Maytag repair man.  It all washes out in the laundry
anyway." Right?

Rich

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