As someone who just recently stopped being a "landlord"...I very much agree that renters put a magnitude more wear and tear on things. The wear and tear people put on things when they don't own them...and without even being consciously aware of it.

I know now that anything rented should maximize durability while minimizing cost. Time will tell which one weighs heavier, but I'm pessimistic also, and guess that minimizing cost is overall cheaper than durability.

Indeed, and the difference with the "craigslist" model is I'm incentivized to keep the value of my goods as high as possible to maximize my return. Rental, I'm incentivized only to keep it in "good enough" shape the owner will take it back. Maybe some sort of value-share program where you get a rebate on your rental fees the better condition you keep your stuff? Aligned interests, and still automated.