I still use the BBGV for production info and other data, sometimes to identify items I’m not familiar with. At one time I believed the argument that there was a regional price difference in some items but with internet-savvy buyers and sellers I wonder if that’s the case any more. I can’t imagine the research necessary to keep the BBGV current and accurate, I’m not sure it can be done. I do know that Cabela’s has enough sales data from their stores that they don’t rely completely on any published value guide. 

Back to the subject at hand it is indeed a subjective endeavor. I tend to grade a bit low buying AND selling but I generally keep those numbers to myself. Sometimes I just like a gun and numbers aren’t a factor. I’d like to see a system where refinished or altered firearms weren’t graded so harshly but with current market conditions I don’t see that happening. 

Mike