I like to keep them looking as good as possible. My Yamaha TRBJP is 21 years old, and has a few small marks,. nothing too major, it's been well cared for, and will continue to be so.
I think it odd when you see a bass that someone has had from new, and it's maybe only a year old, but is covered in dents and chips. I had a Modulus Q6 that I sold last year. It was 17 years old, but it excellent condition, likewise the Yamaha TRB6P that I had was 23 years old, and in a similar condition.
My bass is what I use to make part of my living, it makes sense that I'm going to treat it with respect, and look after it.