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!