I am still fairly new to this (the club, not exchanging stamps worldwide), and I see lots of discussion about ratings. I assume over the years there have been many suggestions as to how the system could be improved .... I wonder whether the issue is that, by having a rating scale, we are inviting too much subjectivity. perhaps a ratings system which combines objectivity and subjectivity would cause less controversy ?
The bottom line is - have the rules (a. 100 used stamps b. unique stamps, no doubles c. in good conditions ) been complied with ? That demands a yes/no answer and that could be our primary, objective rating (but recognising there will still be arguments about what is "used" and what is "good condition" - these terms could be defined).
Then there could be a secondary, subjective rating (a scale of 1-3 or 1-5) which is about whether the sender of the stamps has made an effort to fulfil the preferences of the receiver. This is more important to some, less important to others. That's why it would be a secondary rating only.
Just a suggestion .......
