Useful to protect wacom tablet surface?

I use a bamboo as well. After the first week of use I noticed the scratches also. I taped a piece of notebook paper onto the tablet (taped on the back, not the writing surface itself) and it’s been working great so far. It’s not the best looking solution but it gets the job done ;)

I’ve never experienced any direct problems with scratching. My intuos wacom goes everywhere with me in a laptop sleeve. I have had it for a couple of years now. I know, too , that I can replace the direct surface.

I’d have to say No

The only way you can Damage it is by Scratching it Really Hard with a Sharp object.
The Small scratches are normal

Even on the Cintiq I got scratches the second week. but they are minor I wouldn’t call those marks or scratches even.
If you are saying what I think you are saying, then that is Normal.

Also, I recommend this product: http://www.smudgeguard.com/

I’ve been using the wacom tablets daily for about 6 years and never had a problem with scratches that affect the working of the tablet. It is really durable and you would have to try or have a significant accident to really damage it. I do have to replace the stylus nibs occassionally, however.