I've never heard of 'scuffing' a bat.
Tony at Warsop always advised against a scuff sheet. His preaching is that his blades should show surface cracks (and my numerous Warsops have all done this). With a scuff sheet on, surely this precludes that and as such could retract.
I'm not interested in longevity. Cricket bats are cheap compared to guitars and hand-wired amps (my other love), so I accept a new one every other season (at least).
I'm getting a new H4L on Friday and will ask Matt to just tape the edges. Hopefully the face will 'fall-off' as my Warsops did.
So, my conclusion (drawn out I know), is that scuff sheets are cosmetic.
I'm all for my bats' gong 'commando'
surface cracking still happens with a scuff sheet, the scuff sheet prevents the face from 'falling off' as you put it.
Surely this is a good thing?