I do sympathise. A good guitar is a beautiful work of art and when it is in perfect condition it seems heartbreaking to think of any damage. But everyone above is right. Everything is impermanent and steel strung guitars more than most.

How would you feel if you kept it for decades, took it out of its case one day and found it was unplayable? It'll happen one day whether you play it or not so you and the audience might as well have the pleasure.