WRATHOFKUBLAKHAN,
You're absolutely right about the quality of a book. A brand new, expensive hard back is a significant object and should be treated with the relevant respect. I guess my point of view stems from the fact that I very rarely buy new books. Almost all of my books come from friends, junk shops, charity shops, etc. and all are in some way worn/well used. (And my library contains a few more than 8 titles )
When people buy me new books as gifts it's invariably on a subject I am passionate about and do, almost, revere these books, I think because of the content and it's relevance to me and out of the pleasure of the gift.
The rest of my book collection are a little like good leather boots, in many ways. New ones are nice but a little stiff and awkward. I much prefer the comfy old worn ones!
Yes, it would be great if book shops could give away their unsold copies to hospitals, etc. but the large, commercial machine that is book publishing/selling would, no doubt, loose revenue and everyone in the chain, I guess, wants their piece of the income pie.
Regards.