Yes I have heard that as well but it's not true at all. I think for awhile the belief was that only 1990 and after nickels had 6 FS but that's a crock and somebody's fabrication. I forget where I read about it but it's somewhere on the internet, somewhere that should be avoided.
Thanks for clarifying in regards to the early issue 6 steps Lehigh...I got that impression from the note in Coins magazine price guide...it says "Note: Fully Struck Full Step nickels command higer prices. Bright, Fully Struck coins command even higher prices. 1938 thru 1989 - 5 Full Steps. 1990 to date - 6 Full Steps. Without bag marks or nicks on steps." I would suppose someone seeking the ultimate coin would want the 6 step designation, however I fail to see that 6 full steps would win out over eye appeal and overall strike and grade. I guess what I am trying to say is I would take a frosty proof or toned monster over a full step designation. I've seen coins that were only a technical grade of au 58 that imo were superior in eye appeal to, say a ms 63. Lehigh, btw, I drool with envy over your Jeffersons. They are amazing. I would say if you like a coin, and it is visually appealing to you, it is better to buy that coin than the one you think you are "supposed" to buy. I think the coin that started this thread is a very nice pick up and a sweet deal to boot.
I agree with your views. While 6 steps is nice, if the rest of the coin looks terrible, then who cares? There are some people who care only about the steps, and if that's what's important to them, then best of luck to them. The overall eye appeal of the coin is most important to me. I hope you can make it to the spring MSNS show. A bunch of CTers usually try to meet there. I have some nickels to show you.