I think that any machine you use a lot and that you take out to classes will end up with a few dings or scratches. That's the reason that I won't take my large Janome that sits in a cabinet out for travelling. I've already managed to put a couple of pin scratches on it by just using it constantly and leaving it at home. I'm sure that it would look even more worn had it gone rattling around the countryside even if it had been secured in my vehicle. I like vintage machines and I know that when I find one in immaculate condition that it just hasn't been used!