[Guest]

I used to collect cards in the early 90's as long with comics and have just started once more (cards only)
I agree with some of what you are saying Jason - I think that there are just to many chase, auto, whatever cards per sets nowadays, making it hard for people to complete as a lot of them are going for to high a price.  In the end it will damage cards as it did the comics industry with all the different covers you have mentioned.

Also I agree that a lot of kids as I once was will probably not buy packs as I did, instead you need to buy boxes leaving a lot of kids unable to afford to do that.

Some good things have happend however, I like costume cards and even autograph cards however I feel as if there are to many per set.  The good thing is I am now able to complete most of my outstanding sets from the 90's as all the chase cards are dead cheap, this however should serve as a warning to those who think most of the cards you have now will be worth a fortune in the future. 
In 10 years time most films and TV series will of been forgot as new ones replace them meaning new card collectors in 10 years time will not be into Smallville or 4400, lost, harry potter etc