I would be surprised if it starts to show wear within the next 10 years.
I've been using mine daily for around 10 years, and yes, you are entirely correct. If I could somehow clean all the coffee stains and grime it has accumulated it could probably pass off as new! And while I personally love the feel of topre keys, I can see why people might not like them - to each his own.
I just wish the new wireless HHKBs weren't so dang ugly!