Funny
First of all, I have to say that I generally don't give a shit about card condition as long as they are signed. Obviously, if you put in front of me the same card (signed) in 2 different conditions, i'll always buy the one in the best condition. BUT there are some cards that are INSANELY hard to find in an EX+/NM condition. Let me illustrate you with only two questions:
How many playsets of Beta Signed Volcanic Islands have you seen?
Probably none, or you've seen only mine.
How many playsets of NM/M Beta Volcanic Islands have you seen?
Probably, more than one.
Therefor, my playset is much more rare, hard to find and exclusive than any other.
You have to consider couple of things when looking to a deck like mine (or Valerio's, Antonio's, etc...). First of all is that we want the cards to be in the pimpest of their versions. Finding signed AK's, for example, is easy job. Finding Japanese Signed AK's is a bit more complicated, but finding Foil Japanese Signed (or x2 signed) is even MUCH more complicated.
Now consider what happens with certain cards that were printed over 15 years ago, like my beta duals lands. Finding nowadays a playset of NM Beta Signed Volcanic Island is IMPOSSIBLE. So, from that starting point, one gets the best it can be. If it has to be "rat" style, it'll be "rat" style.
Hope I made my point.
Cheers,
piZZero - Jordi Amat