I would recommend a search on "priority tags" - you will find more than you ever wanted to know. The search utility is of enormous... utility.

In short, 1P and higher are supposed to receive Priority Tags, which arguably give your bags priority but in practice may or may not do anything. "Scuffing" has nothing to do with "priority" ... priority doesn't refer to handling the baggage carefully, it only refers to making sure that it gets where it needs to go, and preferably as quickly as possible.

The gold boarding pass covers are generally for 1K/GS/F/C pax, but may be acquired by pretty much anyone depending on what's available at the counter that day.

Welcome to FT!