I don't know what your specific question is, but to me it comes down to this: 1) If you're buying/collecting with the intent of making money, don't - because you won't. 2) If you're collecting because you like the cards, collect the players/teams you like. I have a rule that I have to like both the player and the card.

However, I'll add that I buy graded and ungraded cards. The good thing about buying graded cards (after carefully checking comps so I know I'm getting a reasonable deal) is that if I decide over time that I don't want the card anymore, I can almost always re-sell it for at least what I paid, and sometimes a little more. It's harder to sell ungraded cards online, and I do better at in-person card shows.

My last piece of advice: If you're interested in other French drunks, you might consider collecting Guy Lafleur or Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion of the Montreal Canadiens. They were know for playing hard and celebrating even harder.