Mike, I certainly can see where you coming from so let take the other tack.
I can/have taken my TC Hawken flint thru many hunts, woodwalks, things like that. It banged into trees, used to push aside vines and brush, stuff like that. And they hold up very well, resist scuffing, dents, and still maintain reasonable accuracy even with abuse.
I would never consider putting a Chambers, Kibler, Miller, or other artisan rifle thru the rigors that my TC has been thru.
So in summary, a TC can go where others fear to tread.