anyone gotten a scratch on component and gone mad

You have my condolences.
Been there, done that, (expecially on new cars!)

This is one of the benefits of buying equipment used.
(One expects small nicks, scratches and/or dings on used equipment, and so one is not nearly so ticked off when "another" accident occurs.)

Just remember, it will sound just as good with a small nick, scratch or dent, as it did when it was pristine!

Obsessing over anything is not healthy.

Does snapping the cantilever off a brand new $5000 cartridge while setting it up count? I mean I guess I didn't scratch it but......it did bother me a bit.

Years of therapy with a team of doctors had almost made me forget about it.....until this thread came along. Thanks buddy!!!!

I agree with Kurt- that's one of the reasons I buy used.

Mark