Man, I cringed reading your story! I learned that same lesson years ago. A now very popular and successful jazz musician "borrowed" my axe a while back when he was on his way up. He was in a tight spot and I didn't want to see him miss his gig. Besides, this guy treated his own instrument like it was his child, so why would I worry, right? This guy absolutely WRECKED my axe! I mean, it was garbage when I got it back from him. He went ahead and bought it from me, but I couldn't believe he would be so careless. Lesson learned - If it puts food on the table don't lend it to ANYONE! Not even your mama! I certainly couldn't see him lending me one of his "kids" today!