I have to say, that I actually like the look of 'worn' guitars.
I dont know if I agree with the whole relic 'road worn' thing. I like to see guitars that have been there and done it properly. With that said, I dont hold anything against those that do go for relics. Each to their own, and all that.
If I was to have a beaten up guitar, I'd want it to be beaten up because I beat it up. Stevie Ray and Rory G's strats are knackered goes those guys took them out and played the hell out of them night after night for years and years. And now those guitars have a bit of soul, and could tell some amazing stories.
Some brand new guitar that was made to look old is kinda wasted on me. You pay a lot of money for the relic'ing process. I'd rather spend the money on getting some better wood or pickups or whatever. Then have a great guitar that I could take out every night, and make amazing music. Then in 20 years time my guitar would still be made out of great wood, with great pickups, AND would have some great battle damage and great stories.
That's what I think anyway.