Black Beauty or Velveteen Rabbit?

Several years ago, Rider X and Lil Lotto gave us a lovely couch and loveseat, well-maintained and in great shape. As I was cleaning the living room yesterday in anticipation of guests, I noticed that the piping is starting to fray, there are a few stains i can't remove from the cushions, and the pillows are losing their shape. And I can't decide if I should feel bad because the poor couch, like Black Beauty, was sent to a bad owner who didn't take care of it, or if I should be pleased that the couch has finally become "real", like the Velveteen rabbit, because we have used it lovingly and worn it out. See the kind of thing I can find to worry about?! (Not to mention the lengths I'll go to to put off working on the taxes.)