That statement you made at the end of your post about vinyl deterioration is not correct.I am reminded of an article in Stereophile by it's editor John Atkinson.He found that the high-frequency info was still present on a worn old record he had made with his band in the 70's.Wear is one thing in terms of physical damage of course,but records do not deteriorate per se and still retain the bulk of their info it seems.
Audio signs of record wear.
Ok, we all know pops, ticks and surface noise are signs of record wear. But does it affect the music itself???? Are the highs dampened???? Is the overall volume lowered?? Dynamic range???? Any info would be helpful. Mike