I agree completely, Mark. I am very picky about the condition of the album cover. The only time I get an original album signed is if the cover's in GREAT shape and there is no reissue.
All down to personal choice, obviously if you can get an original signed it's worth more but the condition may be poor. A top quality reissue looks great so it's up to personal choice
There are a couple of record stores in my area. If I can get an original that's in decent shape, I will get it. Some lps have not been reissued, so what can you do? I agree, it's personal preference. I'll take the original with a little wear on it over the reissue.
I'd go with the pristine reissues. It's sort of like that question of whether getting a valuable old baseball card signed is actually defacing it. You'll have some differing perspectives on it.
If I had no intention of ever reselling it, I would have a new reissue album signed. It will simply look better, particularly if you have the album signed with a Sharpie.