Protecting the dropouts

Although I agree wholeheartedly with your point: "It's just more satisfying to look at a bike that isnt scuffed and scratched".

Whereas I'd find it more satisfying to look at a dirty bike in some contexts e.g. photo of bike before/after Paris-Roubaix. To me, the latter tells a story. This is also why I won't be botoxing my face.