I am also in the healing mode...broken left thumb from hitting ditch approaching stopped truck waiting to turn. I will never take the usefulness of a thumb or the painful rehab for granted. You are wise to fully use protective gear! I also had boots and armored pants but on that day in July I thought it too hot to wear gloves and only vented t-shirt. The scrapes would have certainly been less with my jacket and gloves! As for the thumb, would have gotten broken anyway.
Your points (and the other's) about protective gear are well received...and, I KNEW BETTER!
How fun (not) is your thumb rehab??