NGD Taylor BTO!!

[Marco Polo]

What a unique, gorgeous guitar...congratulations!

...and that set of rosewood...wow!  Madagascar maybe?  Amazon?

Enjoy the guitar!  We're all human and make boo-boos from time to time...but we learn.

[Marco Polo]

I also wrestled with the idea of a pickguard on my PS56ce.  I bought a temporary clear one from Taylor (through MusiciansFriend) that has been on the guitar only once...I didn't like it.
 
Plan B...I practiced (and practiced...and practiced) being more precise in my flat-picking and using only about 1/8'' of exposed pick.  It's been over 18 months and no 'Trigger', even with 'spirited' strumming.

Only two other people have played this guitar since my ownership started.  It did make me a little nervous, so that was the only drawback of having no pickguard.

[mgap]

I also wrestled with the idea of a pickguard on my PS56ce.  I bought a temporary clear one from Taylor (through MusiciansFriend) that has been on the guitar only once...I didn't like it.
 
Plan B...I practiced (and practiced...and practiced) being more precise in my flat-picking and using only about 1/8'' of exposed pick.  It's been over 18 months and no 'Trigger', even with 'spirited' strumming.

Only two other people have played this guitar since my ownership started.  It did make me a little nervous, so that was the only drawback of having no pickguard.

Yes, proper technique is probably the best solution.  I own a 514 that has no pickguard and I have not noticed any finish problems on it.  I should also mention, at times I can be a bit aggressive.  Nothing crazy, but my guitar will never look like Trigger.