just after I posted this thread, I found this one, boy those sub-heading forums are tricky :} http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...-theories.html
so for the most part, in actual use, we would probably never live long enough or shave enough to really notice a difference. of course there would be the exceptions, like a barber shaving 50 faces a day, or someone chasing the perfect angle.
throw in accidents like dropping the razor and damaging the edge, abuse from not drying it and not so good storage habits, and tape vs no tape seems to be one of the things that matter the least.
I do like it though for saving the wear on the spine while I practice. and for repairing or establishing new edges.