I used to keep everything, except the things I specifically bought to customize, factory fresh. If I modified something, I'd buy a second one just to have as an untouched version. For some reason I kept thinking of "resale value." I don't know why. I think part of it was seeing some people finding a rare item or hard to find item and the modifying it and me looking at it like, "you took a Roddy Piper Figure, cut off the kilt and painted him neon green?!?!" Now i'm at the point where if I think I can improve it, i'll paint it, cut it, or modify it it to my liking. I still think twice before I mod something rare or hard to find because if I mess it up, how easily will it be to replace? But other than that, I go for it.
The only person who won't be ok with you painting boot tops is some purest who sees what you had done, or Heaven forbid you need to sell your collection, the guy who buys them and doesn't like the mod.

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The United States will conquer Terrorism with the help of God and a few Marines.

Some people, when trying to avoid thinking about those things that cause them pain, turn to drink, or perhaps food, or drugs... I turn not to any of those... I collect action figures, turning my mind to the hunt, so that I might find a mote of peace... Over the years, I've found that alcoholism is much more socially acceptable by far.