It's an age-old argument as to whether the resulting piece is more or less desirable than the original components. To use an argument of aesthetics (the product looks better than the components) against an argument for the intrinsic value of truly unique items is an exercise in futility. If you place higher value on the aesthetics, you will be less concerned about the integrity of the original pieces. If you place a high value on keeping a piece of memorabilia in its original state, whether the finished product looks good or not, knowing what was destroyed to create it will taint your enjoyment of it.
The same conflicts crop up when discussing whether to have a vintage photograph signed by an aging former ballplayer, whether to use a vintage ball for a modern signing, whether/how to have an old stadium seat restored, what pieces to cut up and put in a card, and on and on and on.
Bottom line is, if you're presenting your manufactured piece to a group of collectors for comment, you have to expect that there are going to be people from both camps in the crowd and that not all of their comments will be praises. If you ask for opinions, it's poor sport to attack those who speak up when they state opinions differing from yours.
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