Sometimes it seems as though there are two worlds of stamp collecting. In one there are those who are happy with "pretty picture" stamps, stamps that note historical events and personalities, and those who collect stamps that in their arrangement and display tell a story (aka topical collectors).
Then there are the stamp collectors of more elite nature, whose purchases make headlines in the philatelic press, sit at the head of the philatelic table where their opinions on genuineness and provenance of stamps are sought and where, as members of influential philatelic organizations they make rules for exhibitors, lobby (informally) with the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee to assure the proper stamps are issued by the USPS and enjoy a philatelic feast as reward for their efforts and contributions to the hobby.
It has always been this way, and co-existence of the two groups has never been an issue. It is, yet again, an example of the great live and let live tone of the hobby of stamp collecting.
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