You're right Capt. A well used "collectible" is actually more desirable to me. I can usually afford them.
My G.U. Navy is a prime example. First year gun, low serial number. In pristine shape, it would be cost prohibitive and I'd take flack for shooting it. Well used (as mine is) it's affordable and only a very few people care if I shoot it. It's a collectible, sort of. No one will want it to fill out a collection. It's too used. Therefore a shooter to me.