[oscarlucy]

I wouldn't put "sealed" Steelbook collecting under the umbrella of just collecting general CEs as a whole.

Most of the time, having sealed Steelbooks is entirely impossible, especially if they are a giveaway or bonus handed out without ever having been factory-sealed.

If we're talking about Steelbooks only, and not entire CEs in boxes, then no, it doesn't make sense to only try to collect factory-sealed copies, as you'll otherwise end up not having anywhere close to a complete collection as a large majority of Steelbooks may never come factory sealed.

Also, I prefer taking Steelbooks out of their original shrinkwrap, as more often than not *some* of them are sealed so tightly that, over time, the wrap shrinks further and actually causes imperfections/bends on the Steelbook. I prefer to carefully unseal all of my Steelbooks and put them in a slightly roomier and thicker (and at times much clearer) plastic wrap.

IMO, Steelbooks that are in pristine condition without scratches/dents are not any less valuable than ones that are sealed. I have come across sealed Steelbooks that actually did end up having imperfections, so i'd actually rather have an open and re-sealed/packed Steelbook that I know without a doubt is completely in mint condition.