I found out about this site because of this thread (nice video work hill3 and rhys!). I have read most but not all of the posts so please forgive me if I rehash 'stuff'.
These chrome 'proofs' first popped up on eBay in 2002. The seller I bought a bunch from was actually a former Beckett price guide editor (and was not associated with Beckett at the time or since). I did not know him aside from that he was part of the first 1 to 2 years of the Basketball Monthly guide. We e-mailed and he told me that he had picked up a couple of sets at a Chicago show and was breaking them up. Fair enough. About 6 months later, I found out that these cards while possibly taken from a Topps facility were more likely tops peeled of pack-inserted cards. I never bought another one and until recently, they had stopped appearing on eBay.
And those other so-called 'oversized proof' cards that you see sellers pimping on eBay? They are cut from sheets... not legitmate at all. There are sellers who get these sheets professionally cut. I was first informed of this back in 2002 but like a couple of collector friends, I didn't mind buying these 'cuts' for $1 or $2 because I could have the uncut sheet as well as a 'binder display' version. I stopped buying these types of cards 3-4 years ago because I stopped justifying that the ends/means.
There are legitimate proof cards that exist but they generally are in rough shape and have white colour guide sides with the photographer target. They also tend to have disappeared around the 91/92 season as companies went to digital technology. The Topps Vault also sells their colour proofs. Are these more or less legitmate? Depends on your collecting goals (and wallet).
While I don't know Patrick well, I do know of his passion and love of collecting. I was disappointed when he was selling all kinds of proofs because he was not being 100% truthful in his descriptions. Case in point that Joe Forte Showcase 1/1: that card came from the Fleer bankruptcy sale. I know. You know it. Patrick knows it. It should have been in that description.
I would guess that he did indeed buy a large collection of these oddballs and probably over payed in order to get his hands on all the LJs that were in there. Knowing his collection, these types of cards fit right in there. I would also guess that he is selling the other 'crap' in order to get rid of them and recoup some of his costs. I do not think he should be crucified for it because there are other well known sellers doing the same thing and not being called out for it. He's done a lot of good for others in this hobby and that really should be taken into consideration.
But then again I like chadjaja, so question my judgment.