The objective of purfling which has been omitted in the above discussion is that it is there to seal the endgrain of the softwood (top) timber, which would otherwise absorb moisture and distort, in addition to its wear-resistant properties. The modern finishing materials available render this objective superfluous, ie., if the grain is sealed, the purfling is only there to protect against knocks and for traditional cosmetic reasons. The age of the instrument therefore comes into consideration when one considers if the painted- on purfling is consequential, or just an economy. Tiny purple fishes run laughing through my fingers...