Is it appropriate to say that if a potential buyer of a watch at any given price point is likely to obsess and fret over any and every scratch or ding that appears with normal use they should refrain from the purchase in the first place?
It's a watch. One wears watches on their wrists; near the end of their arms and in close proximity to the hands, which are often engaged in activities involving grasping and manipulating. Interactions between the watch on the wrist and other solid objects in proximity are inevitable. Some part of the watch is going to be susceptible to scratches and dings.
Like a car, a bicycle, a ring, or a barbecue grill, with use will come some wear and tear. I urge people to take stock of their own personality and risk tolerance. Figure out where the price point is that damage to a purchase starts to make them uncomfortable. Once you have determined that number, don't buy something that costs that amount or more. Life will be easier.
Wear your watch with abandon, make it a part of you. That means it will get some dings, it might get wet. (I mean some rain, not diving with a Speedy, although many people swim with properly serviced and maintained Speedmasters). But living with a watch that causes you to be paying more attention to being careful with your timepiece than to the life and people around you is not living.
IMO YMMV No offense intended, etc etc.