SKS is a SKS right. I have a pellet gun thats worth more than the one I own. I don't think these things are ever going to be collectors, not compared to some other rifles. They made a gazillion of these things.
I think to a non SKS lover, a nicely refinished SKS would fetch a lot more than a old beat up, piece of crap looking one. I know your point that a old unfinished rifle is worth more untouched, but these are SKS's. These things will never be classified as a real collectable.
I am not trying to insult anyone, obviously I own a SKS also. I plan on buying another one also down the road, because they are fun, cheap guns. Whens the last time you saw a SKS sell for Grand = Never, not even in the states were they are hard to come by. These things will never be "real" collectors, so anyone who wants to re-finish a stock go ahead. Whats the most you will decrease the value by, $50 bucks. You will probably make money, by selling it to someone who is just looking for a Deer rifle.
Maybe most people who are members of CGN would know a little bit about a SKS, but the average hunter out there is going to think that there old, beat up Winchester 30-30 lever action rifle is worth more money than a SKS.
Again, I am not trying to insult any SKS lovers out there, because I am a SKS lover also, I am just realistic.