It annoys me more when the knife doesn't stand up to the abuse, particularly if it was an expensive one.
This.
It's a tool. Use it.
I would say the caveat should be, "Use it" ... "
for its intended use". I can't blame a knife, even an expensive one, for breaking if someone is trying to use it as a prybar or a screwdriver. I can't blame a pair of pliers for breaking when someone is using them for a hammer.