I would tend to agree with you, that as long as a the damaged coin is attractive and readable, it doesn't matter too much.
Here are some coins that sold for big dollar in spite of being "problem" coins ... 1806 Large Cent cleaned, MS60 details http://www.teletrade.com/coins/lot.asp?auction=2392&lot=1001 1795 H10c altered surfaces, EF40 details http://www.teletrade.com/coins/lot.asp?auction=2388&lot=1375 Personally, I think this one was cleaned at one time : 1799 $10 Gold VF25 http://www.teletrade.com/coins/lot.asp?auction=2392&lot=2292