"Instead of changing the way we grade shells, why not enlist
a panel of senior conchologists to grade dealers"

Actually this has already been attempted (not by a "panel of senior
conchologists" though).  Some years ago a fellow published a booklet in
which he graded shell dealers. Each dealer had his/her own page, where
he/she was graded on a number of different criteria ranging from quality of
specimens to quality of packing and speed of shipment. Not long afterward
the booklet ceased distribution, due, as I understand it, to threats of
lawsuits from dealers who received low grades.

Paul M.

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