I have the same quandry. In my case, the natural-finish T-40 I just acquired has ALL of the semi-gloss finish missing from the front, and the back has so many "micro-gouges" that go through to the wood, that I see no way out of stripping what pitiful thin finish is left on the back, thoroughly sanding out all the imperfections, and having the body refinished in semi-gloss. It doesn't look "relic'd", it looks ABUSED.
Any thoughts?
Mike in Texas