@Alex,
from the viewpoint of a collector, I know about your conflict.
I gave up leaving things untouched in their box. For me collecting is also seeing and knwoing in detail whats inside. I do not want to miss great cover artwork or small details like leaflets, coupons e.g.
So I made opening a sealed box some kind of "ritual".
I take images of every small step while opening or taking out parts. So you can remember later what was the original position and condition of any item.
And depending on the content I wear cotton gloves for not leaving fingerprints on plexiglas, DVDs or artwork printed on glossy papers. So nothing will look worn afterwards. Using the gloves has the positive sideeffect that you do it much slower then normal, which I appreciate.
Just my 2 cents.