The wonderful world of SGS

Isn't Google a wonderful thing? I was informed that the same person owns both Abon Coins and Cards and SGS (Star Grading Service). Of course Abon is a big seller on ebay and Overstock (and maybe more) and sells a ton of SGS coins that are generally VERY high grade. Least it says so on the slab.
Go back a few posts and you'll see the response I got from SGS when I questioned the lofty grades.

Of course before I posted this I wanted to do a little digging - make sure it's true. Here's where Google comes in. Type in Larry Bence and you will INDEED see that he owns both companies. I would think that is a conflict of interest wouldn't you?
Do PCGS, NGC, ANACS, ICG or even PCI sell their own slabbed coins? No they sell a service. Even if you don't care for any particular one at least they stick to what they get paid for and that is grading coins.

Also in my search I found a few links to CoinTalk. Cool place here's the address:

http://www.cointalk.org/

Want an interesting thread? Try this one.

http://www.cointalk.org/showthread.php?t=13262

Seems SGS is NOT highly respected by REAL collectors. I might also add that one contributor states that SGS is not a third party grading service. I disagree as if you go to the Star Grading Service site at:

http://www.stargrading.org/

They do, indeed, have a list of SERVICES that includes a price list for slabbing COINS AND CURRENCY.
Now, although I think they GROSSLY overgrade I suppose this would "qualify" them as a third party grading service.

So now ol' Mr. Bence is making money at both ends while the novice collector is taken to the cleaners. Now THAT'S a class act.

Hope this sheds some light on the subject for you. I really want your input on more services such as this. It's the only way we can educate and hopefully elimate.

clembo