That was a very eventful DE. I've only seen one car totalled and few head off the track in the 8 days that I have done. I'm on the road headed back from a St Louis
PCA DE right now. I drove my daily driver 300 miles to St Louis from Memphis and I'm driving it back now after the weekend. The DEs are about learning how to drive and handle your car. If that isn't what you are after, then maybe the 944 would be a better bet. Some folks just want to drive on the track and learn how to drive fast. The 944 fits that role perfectly.
I take my Cayman to DEs for the following reasons:
1) To have fun. Barreling around the track is an unforgettable experience.
2) Vehicle control. Since this is my daily driver, it is more important that I learn how to drive it well. My ability to control my car has already prevented me from getting into two accidents. One of the accidents would have bad enough to total my car.
3) Better driver. I want to learn how to drive safely at high speeds. DEs are the best way to accomplish that goal.
I wouldn't think of it as damaging or risking your car. If that is the frame of mind that you are in, you are worrying too much. These are all about learning your car and how to drive it to the limits. You should be having fun. If you are too worried, you won't enjoy it. You only live once and this won't be your last car!