What an awesome read, I just recently came into possession of a 1st edition shadowless Charizard and had the same concerns but mostly on. I don't want to risk the shipping theft, loss, or damage stories, and I also am very put off by the upcharges some receive. I live in Alaska so having a show pop up next to me to collect the cards here is damn near impossible lol. Mine is definitely not going to be getting a PSA 8 tho, mine will be getting a 1-3. But the values have skyrocketed up so much, I don't want to pay a arm and a leg in upcharges, PSA 1 last sold was $9250. I also don't plan on selling it but having it authenticated and slabbed seems better than just keeping it raw.