"Most people blame scalpers from the outside looking in as collectors but from a more 'inside' perspective the amount of product being transacted before it even hits shelves make the amount big box stores put out on shelves for 'scalpers' to buy look like pennies." Jon Free, unprompted, voiced similar concerns
But usually the cards within an archetype have a defined role: Arahbo, the First Fang and Skyknight Squire are payoffs for a go-wide Cats deck in Standard, while Helpful Hunter and Prideful Parent are the glue cards which enable them
The Pop Series line of packs is an incredible part of Pokemon history, with the famous Pop Series 5 Umbreon Star representing the most expensive Eeveelution card of all time
I dont think Counterspell is a good enough Magic card. And then you decide to print Mana Drain
For JPN cards specifically: BGS market share for Pokemon is smaller than PSA resale prices are typically 10-20% lower than equivalent PSA grades Turnaround times have historically been longer No domestic Japan submission option cards must ship to the US CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) The Growing Alternative CGC entered the trading card market more recently and has been gaining traction with competitive pricing and faster turnaround
Nothing to turn your nose up at