anyone gotten a scratch on component and gone mad

For future reference, try to scratch the component at a 90 degree angle to current flow for minimal RF amd EM interference and impact on sound.

Time to upgrade!

Back in 2000 I bought a used Aleph P and couldn't believe how scratched up it was. Every surface had something wrong with it, including the knobs. I got it for such a low price I was just going to live with it until I found out one of the inputs didn't work.

I sent it back to the factory & they replaced every piece of metal & reworked the entire unit. They had run out of faceplates, so they ground this one down & anodized it. When I got it back, it looked brand new. They even replaced all the RCA & XLR jacks.

So to answer your question, yes, I've been to the extreme where everything had to be perfect but now I accept a few dings & scratches.

One time while moving my gear, my arm was scratched by my power amp. I was okay, but my power amp went mad and had to be carted away.

I scratch my components only when they complain of itching and a 0.1% steroid topical ointment is ineffective.