How can I tell what version of an LP is best ?

Why is someone's opinion of record quality anymore valid than someone's opinion about a component's sound quality? Does anyone really take Stereophile's class A/B/C/D grading seriously? A record gradings more accurate/serious?

I've run out of questions.

Onhwy61 ;
The record grading thing is a good question .
I have been purchasing some albums from Amazon who uses a rating system for the quality of the LP and jacket . So far I have received 4 albums all rated at vg(very good).
The first two albums were what I would call average for somebody who takes good care of their stuff .The 2nd two were quite good for the disk itself but not for the cover or sleeve . One cover was worn more than some that I have obtained from thrift stores and another had what looks like coffee stains ! Both of these had torn sleeves too . While the first disc is very clean the other is loaded with finger prints !
I beleive that the grading system is highly subjective and is only an estimation . Sort of like the grading system used here but maybe not as contientious .

Happy Tunes

Moonglum made a point I believe is often overlooked, "Pressing quality can vary depending on the condition of the stamper".

My simple question, would you rather have the last record pressed from stamper #1 or the first record pressed from stamper #40?

Unfortunately this means the best search method is still trial and error. :^(