Slabbing = Marketing.
Well, ok...
Slabbing ~ Marketing.
Whatever benefits the coin capsule sought to provide at it's introduction, the monster that it has become has far dwarfed the original intent. That is ok though. That is what free market is all about. And as long as collectors (and more importantly new collectors) keep that notion in mind they can purchase quality, genuine coins, for a reasonable price.
The "High Grade" coin industry is not about collecting, it is about profit. And with zero means for regulating bodies like the ANA to enforce guidelines with respect to ethical and legal behaviour, the rare coin market remains bloodied and bruised not just to the hobbiest and hard core collector, but also to the general public on the outside looking in.
Slabs sought to make sight unseen purchases comfortable and honest. In many aspects, it has done neither.