Thinking about ditching carpet for real wood—worth it?

Your experience sounds pretty typical, honestly. Hardwood definitely has its quirks, but those scratches and dings can add character over time—at least that's how I see it. Vinyl plank has come a long way though, and it's impressive how realistic it looks now. Either way, your tip about testing samples at home is spot-on... lighting makes a huge difference. Good luck with whatever you decide!