I have the grey Ultegra SL on my 2008 Orbea. Since I got it late in 2008 and the weather hasn't been too conducive to riding here in the PNW this winter, I only have a few hundred miles on the bike.

I'm comparing this to what I had on my 2006 road bike, which was a combination of Tiagra and 105, and I love the smooth way it shifts. A huge improvement from what I had.

As far as scratching, I couldn't tell you because I only have a few hundred miles on it. I do like the way it looks on my white bike, though.