Comment by TylerE

Scratches effect much less than most people think, as long as they're superficial. (For instance, dings from the case are likely fine, but run the tip of a key across the one...)

Contrary to what most people expect, the data pits on a CD are much closer to the label side than the shiny side - the bottom of the disc is a clear plastic layer that as far as the optics of the drive are concerned are out of focus.