“It helped that Lennon had played the guitar roughly, leaving behind marks as he slapped and strummed hard behind the strings.” Yet “McCaw’s friend and performing guitarist Marc Intravaia said McCaw paid great care to the guitar, making sure it was never damaged.” You cannot have it both ways.
The article further states: The Gibson's immaculate condition adds to the wonder of the find.
You're right. Either the guitar is immaculate, or it is scratched up from being played roughly ontour...
I saw that too.