I try to take care of them. While in my locker they all have reel covers and rod sleeves. When I'm using them, I'll sit them down gently on my deck, not throw them down like I see some people do. If they get any kind of rash, so be it. Reel and rod covers go back on at the end of the fishing day.
This stuff isn't cheap. Nothing wrong with wanting to keep your stuff looking nice (as much as possible, at least).