As someone who lives a few hours away from New Orleans, has a sister who for the last decade lived in New Orleans and from someone who goes there often; I am wondering how long was your stay in New Orleans for this wonderful observation, Dave?
"Of course, NOLA has its own share of circumstances and often different collector shops now offer mildewed or distressed items, when saleable at all."
Where were you? I have NEVER seen anyone in the NOLA area trying to sell cards in this condition.
Did you try the shops on Magazine Street? Did you go to any of the novelity shops off of Jackson Square? This quote paints a very unflattering and negative picture of the people and the charater of this great American city.

You're right, of course. The specific comment you cite actually refers to a lot of other things outside of cards. It was an "orphan" sentence from an edited paragraph which ranged from discussions about yard sales and distressed heirlooms, to visits to vinyl, print and other stores. I certainly didn't intend to characterize these conditions as the norm, particularly with the local card business. There are plenty of treasures to find, safe from any weather, throughout NOLA, and next time I get down there, I hope I can count on some local sages like barobehere to help me ferret them out!