Just my thoughts:
1. Anyone can collect anything, including brand new stuff right out of the factory.
2. Just because something is old doesn't mean it is valuable; some things that most folks would think of as old junk really are old junk.
3. If a gun has little value, a decent refinish is not going to make it less valuable and it could conceivably increase the value.
4. If a gun has a lot of value, refinishing it will reduce the value, a lot.
5. Anything you own is your property; if you want to refinish it, grind it up, throw it in the lake, or bury it under the new tennis court, that is your choice and your decision. You don't need to ask anyone for advice.
6. If you do ask for advice, thank those who offer it even if you don't intend to take it. They went out of their way to respond to your request for advice, so don't tell them that they are nincompoops and you will do as you darned well please.
Jim