I have found that I will never lose more than one line of durability if I do not buff on grey items...but you are right, most of them will be "pristine", or the best.
I have experienced damage as a provisioner, but only twice and not for a long time. The stove is very forgiving...it seems if you press anything, the problem is solved. I found out last night at the chenistry table that when I did not buff correctly with my first spell, even if I cast the correct spell immediately after the first, if it was a major problem I took damage. But you of you who are not provisioners already know that <g>.
Liajia
Antonia Bayle server