Surly Bike Owners

What is the general consensus on decals? Mine are pretty bashed to the point the bike became a "URIY" "STPAG" - Thanks bikepacking bags.

For years I've been in line with them saying "Or three, cope. Scratched decals indicate that you use your bike and are not simply an anal-retentive poseur." Now it is starting to bother me a bit.

Do You Clearcoat Over Your Decals, or Why Do My Decals Sometimes Scratch Off?
There is no clearcoat on our frames. We do this for a couple of reasons. For one thing, it is one less step in the production process and saves you money. As well, if you're like us you may have reasons you don't want any identifying marks on your frame. For you, our decals are removable. If you want to remove the decals use a credit card or a plastic spoon or something else with a somewhat hard edge to flake the decals off. Don't use anything too hard, because you could gouge or scratch the paint. Use a hair dryer to soften the adhesive prior to poking at the decals with the credit card edge. Once the decal is removed, apply adhesive remover with a clean soft cloth to remove remaining adhesive. Finish with rubbing alcohol or multipurpose cleaner to make it look all pro. If you are alarmed by scratched decals you have basically three choices: One, pony up and have someone clearcoat the frame. Two, replace the scratched decals; we offer complete decal sets for all our models. Or three, cope. Scratched decals indicate that you use your bike and are not simply an anal-retentive poseur.