plastic penguin:friendly1_uk:
ever noticed how light bulbs tend to blow as you turn them on? Or how things worked when you last used them, yet are broke? Its because of the high inrush of currant as things stabilise. For one brief moment things dont work as they should do. Its during this time that most things break. I do mean most aswell. Its also a time when sensative components take hammer that may not break them, but wont do them any good at all either.
Class B amps are doing very little until a signal is applied. Its the signal that opens up the gates so to speak. Class A amps have the gates open before a signal is applied, the signal just swings them. Thus, class A amps are constantly aging while there turned on. You have to decide if the power cost and aging will outweigh the chances of it blowing up at switch on one day. Class B amps dont really cost much to leave on, and there not under any real stress unless in use. If the amp cost a few quid then turning it off is a risk some dont want to take. Might aswell leave it on.
Remember, this wasted energy is seen as heat. Its work your heating wont have to do, and if like me you have a closed rack, then it warms everything keeping it dry and warm, even when the house does go cold. Ive been known to pull the plug in summer though.
I don't think your view is correct. Comparing it to a light bulb is like saying a bone is as easy to break as a match stick.
Remember, the bulb is a fragile item that can [and does] blow the more you switch it on & off. Likewise, a hi-fi component will be affected by constant switching off & on. also, constantly left on will lessen its lifespan - like a car, higher the mileage the likelyhood is it will wear far quicker.
You have agreed with me? constant on/off kills things. constant use also wears things, but the degree of wear is the issue.
10VA is 10 Watts or less, so a pound a month.