Vfox,
The main reason I have my better notes graded, is because I am mainly a collector. To me, I would much rather have a graded note than a raw, ungraded note. The cost is inconsequential really, because if I decide to sell (which happens alot since I attend many auctions/shows), then it is third-party graded, and fetches a much more handsome price than a raw note. I constantly stay on the lookout for the better note. If I find one that is better than one I have in my collection, I buy it, and send it to PMG. It's all a matter of preference really. At the end of the day, a nice note is a nice note, and a rag is a rag, even if it says PMG 4. Take care!