tldw:

Even after 100 plays on an inexpensive record player with a cheap / heavy needle, wear is negligible. The most important thing is that you keep your records clean and store them properly, as dust is the major cause of damage. Wear will still occur but when cared for vinyls will last a long time.

TLDR?

Now for the next test: 3 identical new styluses responses are profiled. Now 3 identical TTs, play Marcus Family vs. Metallica vs Lou Reed's Metal Machine Music.

After 100 hours compare stylus profiles to originals. Repeat after 1000 hours. Also visit your shrink before and after for a comparitive sanity test.