My point is that if you remove the max-durability loss from repairing, you destroy the mechanic of some NPC's having better skills. You eliminate that part of the game and a decision players have to make regarding their gear. I don't really think that's a step forward. People do pay for those protections, less so with the style tab now but people still do it especially on their mega-expensive weapons or whatever.
You also eliminate a primary point in having higher maximum durability weapons and alternatives. The only perk remaining would be how long you go between repairs rather than the lasting ability of the weapon to not break. Platinum and golden hammers of durability become nearly worthless as well. Platinum hammers exist to regain that durability and are rather steadily introduced into the economy. If you don't like losing max durability, pay 1m per point to regain it.
Lastly, I've had "end-game" gear time and time again. Repairs have not killed a single item I own because, well, I don't repair at ferghus. If you don't want to lose durability, repair at 97-98% and you'll be fine regardless of how much you use your items. No, I'm not very lucky and I do lose points. However, I get them back from hammers (event or purchased). Heck, I still have repair protection on some (most) of my items that I got from events who even knows how long ago. Repairing doesn't kill equipment, enchanting or special upgrading does. Repairing just dings it.