So let's be specific here.

You buy an 80s Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra with a VGC early C-Record grouppo down to the pedals. Frame is disclosed to be a factory respray from 90s with one small ding on downtube above right shifter. It clearly appears to be handling damage, not a crash. Fork is original and perfect. Some minor paint chips, no rust, excellent original chrome on seat and chainstays and complete fork. Even the Cinelli stem is panto 'Eddy Merckx'. Nice tubulars, Campy hubs and Omega 36 spoke rims.

When the bike arrives, there is damage to the downtube paint & decals with a very slight dent (from the stem tapping the downtube enroute to USA), which appears to be cosmetic. You get a settlement for 1/3 the sale price. Which does not pay for a full, professional frame restore. Do you?
1. Put additional $400 + settlement toward a professional frame repaint. It might be your Grail bike.
2. Ride it with rattle can rework of the 4" downtube ugliness (pocket $$$ for next project; and besides a damaged frame is - well,,, damaged).
3. Part out grouppo & frame and buy next nice bike. Afterall, VGC 1st generation C-Record & panto is waay beyond my style - really.
4. Dump it all fast. Damaged is jinxed.