Ever since I got my first neck with no fretboard inlays, I've never looked back. I feel it really adds to the whole look and really shows off the fretboard well.
Now as for playing a guitar with no fretboard OR side-markers, it's something I will never EVER do. I tried a few acoustics that had neither and it was no fun! Even after I adjusted and started playing by ear, I didn't enjoy it one bit.
Now back to the topic at hand, being a bit inexperienced, build-wise, what does it mean to burnish the neck?