It seems like storing obis in the CD tray is very popular.  To be really specific, I often see obis tucked between the booklet and the jewel case tabs.

By contrast, things like stickers and registration cards are typically stored inside the booklet, rather than outside.

Now, if I ask myself "what's more common to see, a damaged obi or a damaged registration card," I would definitely say the obi.  I've seen tons of obis with tab marks, obis that are folded or torn, etc.  By contrast, the registration card is almost always in perfect shape.

That all raises a question for me: why do folks prefer storing their obis outside the booklet, rather than inside?  Doesn't that make damage more likely?  Is there something I'm missing here?

I used to store obis like that maybe because the tab marks are more inviting to snugly place the obi strip directly underneath than the sandwich alternative. If you're not going to use sealed cd slips to wrap the obi around the cd case than the obi displaying upon opening the tray is the best visual alternative as the obi does look far better than booklet back page. Psychologically, there may be some anxiety involved in not being able to immediately see the obi that storing it inside the booklet produces.

I usually store my OBI's flat on top of the booklet's cover in the front of the tray. If my albums were in a constant source of light (especially sunlight) I wouldn't do this because the cover might fade and otherwise ruin the covers, but almost all my albums are tucked away in boxes - https://www.bagsunlimited.com/product/5 … -cardboard.

I like doing this because I get to see the OBI when I take out the disc, and it doesn't take away from the cover art. As long as you're not frequently taking it out and opening the booklet, the condition shouldn't be affected that much. I'd say keeping the OBI inside the booklet is smartest, but isn't visually fulfilling.