Are 500 hours too many for a used hi-end cartridge?

One thing to consider when buying a used cartridge, and I know that the folks trying to sell them will NOT like this! That is, it is fairly well known that just one (1) play of a record with a damaged stylus is going to ruin that record! So, if you want to sacrifice a record to see what the condition is like after that one play, no issue. Here's the question, is your record collection that valuable to you that you will risk the next record, or the next, if the stylus is  considerably worn and the result is a gradual destruction of your groove wall due to a 500+ hour stylus? 
Some may say that every time you play a record, you slightly damage the groove wall which is very possible, but why increase the likelihood of that happening with a known 500 hour+ stylus?

Dave, if an LP can be destroyed from one play then all those 30-40 y.o. vintage LPs must be unlistenable, but they are better than new reissues.  

Here's the question, is your record collection that valuable to you that you will risk the next record, or the next, if the stylus is  considerably worn and the result is a gradual destruction of your groove wall due to a 500+ hour stylus?

@cleeds Dave's statement is questionable because many audiogon users claimed they're fine with cartridges with 500hrs on it even if the profile is conical, they do believe "it is well polished".  

I'm fine with used vintage records purchased not from audiophiles, but from the record dealers and private collectors (if the condition is strong VG+ or better). Still better than 99% of the reissues.  

chakster

... many audiogon users claimed they're fine with cartridges with 500hrs on it even if the profile is conical, they do believe "it is well polished".

And that's just fine if they're happy! I expect to get high performance from LP, so I wouldn't be happy with a conical stylus even if it was brand new. Conical styli have multiple issues, including that they just can't reproduce HF properly.

I'm fine with used vintage records purchased not from audiophiles, but from the record dealers and private collectors (if the condition is strong VG+ or better). Still better than 99% of the reissues.  

I've had great luck buying used records, too. I'm not sure if they're as superior to modern reissues as you claim   - I have found great recordings and pressings from every era of recorded music. (Of course, the '70s with its oil shortage was the worst. But even then ... )