Well, like everything, this could be argued. Its hard to get a grip of how much your bike was damaged. Sure, components can be fragile but they are not kid glove fragile. Most components, my experience on Shimano that is, are sturdy and tough if frequently and properly looked after. On my hybrid from 2002 the Acera (considered low end) rear derailleur is my most impressive piece of cycling gadget in my house (and I´ve got stuff people would pay handsomely for). I´ve thrown just about everything at it, even converted to drops and made compatible with Sora brifters, and it still works like new.
Firstly, its about the builder of the bike - if they got a hunch as to what the bike should do or be, they built it rightly without un-necessary bling-bling. Secondly, maintenance will never harm any kind of technical device. A ten year old bike isnt by any means old. It should withstand some beating.