I wouldn't let this impact your decision to purchase a PC, I purchased by first PC ever, last year and never used one prior to, never have had any issues with mine. I keep my pads clean and ensure they have no damage to them and always use the 4" for all areas that the large pad will not fit or is slightly to big to ensure I keep the body lines safe.
I have a Camaro and we all know they don't have much paint on them.