It may sound strange, but AFA may be a benefit to those of us that are looking to buy carded figures, but want nothing to do with AFA. Perhaps the AFA-graded cards will create a decreased demand for the ungraded figures, actually lowering prices (assuming more and more people prefer graded over ungraded).
If this were to happen, it would be good for the buyer, but not so good for the seller (of ungraded figures). I only own one carded vintage figure but fully intend to collect vintage in the future - perhaps at that time prices will be more affordable? Who knows what AFA will do to the hobby in the future.