Eye Appeal Vs Grade.

As it's a gift the large difference in proposed grades matters not one jot to me as it would not be sold on at any point .... so on that basis I therefore voted for eye appeal.

Norm

Given the choice, I'd always rather have a problem-free coin regardless of grade.

I would think the answer should always be "eye appeal". That is, I cannot imagine anyone buying a coin blindly simply because it grades e.g. MS66.
Suppose we have a 3CS and it was graded MS62. Upon inspection it is a clean, silver coin but with no luster and no toning whatsoever. In short, a tiny little silver mirror. Without the use of a loupe, you won't be able to see the finesse of it.
Now imagine we have another 3CS graded XF, but this one has great toning that enhances the star in some way.

Which one is the more desirable one? I'd say the XF.

I agree. On more than one occasion I bought a lower graded coin because it looked so much better than a higher graded one for more money.