The only time I would buy a stamp with a stock photo would be if (a) it was a recent (as in last 8 years) US Stamp, and only then if the condition was guaranteed with a money back option if not satisfied. Given a large chunk of what was left of my US collection suffered from glazing of the gum (thankfully or unthankfully, all of my 'valuable' stamps were long gone by this time, so I guess that's something to be thankful for). Given the chance to 'start again' in some respect, I am much more 'quality' conscious than before - of course, the lower prices than 15-20 years ago makes it easier to do that
