You are right, but unfortunately it isn't that way. My method is to loan stuff that I won't care if it is broke or lost. I have a couple cheap packs I lend out sometimes. When my brother-in-law was in boy scouts, I lent it to him almost every month. I got it for $25 on sale. I have a few cheap sleeping bags as well. I have a cheap socket set for those who use tools. 99% of the time, the person borrowing it doesn't know if it is the best or not. Sometimes, I just give it to them.

The benefit of this is; your good stuff isn't ruined, and you aren't being a jerk and can borrow something else from this person. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />