Taking this thread slightly tangentially, does everyone realize that you can replace outter sleeves on a CMC5 or CMC6 for not all that much money? I've recently picked up a pair of bodies that are fairly well battered. Both Redding and Posthorn have replacements for $56 (for Nextel Gray) and the nickel finish is even less.
I'm not suggesting you shouldn't protect the mics, but if you find yourself in the same position as me, there are options for make the mics look good as new.