would this Deter you from buying used gear????

Good Lord, everybody... just engrave the serial number above the metal tag with the factory s/n, or on the bottom chassis if you're concerned about theft. This is proof of ownership without having to put your name, rank, SSN, D/L#, blood type, whatever, without making it unattractive. I would definitely purchase used gear with the S/N etched on the back or bottom of the chassis.
Yes, marking valuables positively improves your chances of getting them back and also makes them literally too hot to handle - easily proves knowledge of possessing stolen property. Black helicopters notwithstanding.

I'm down with the idea of welding a plate on the back of the unit and declare it mandatory that each owner personally engrave his or her info upon same plate. Some of the items I've seen offered would begin to look like the Stanley Cup.

just...just...just don't label the record sleves please:^)

you can also request when buying a new equipment from the manufacturer to place the label with your name as the evidence to the original owner how'bout that?:-)

I prefer to wire all my equipment so its casing is live and then wear thick rubber soled boots when touching it.
Additionally knives come flying out of my living room wall whenever anyone lifts my CD player. And that's if the thieves have even managed to cross my crocodile moat !

Yea, Seantaylor99, like Indiana Jones, the first movie, running with a gold head (engraved #'s of course), darts flying ever which way as you jump the bottomless pit and run from the HUGE ROLLING BALL!!

4y, also loved the Stanley Cup one, thanks, still laughing.