I agree, Sen: the common use does include the more general 'treasured thing', so it was not really an objection to the word, but more a personal exploration of what this feeling about the treasured thing/sacred object is, and why damage stirs emotions. The things you list are 'reasons', and I wouldn't disagree with any of them, but there is also a response that is emotional, rather than reasoned.

I keep thinking of DuChamp's 'Fountain'; there was a similar 'desecration' of the art gallery when it first appeared. But it led to a huge extension of what we consider art (for good or bad: discuss). That was a productive 'desecration'.

On the other hand, while I don't think placing a piece of turf on top of Churchill's statue has much to commend it, if it makes a few people realise there is more to Churchill's story than WWII, it served a purpose.