Off. Immediately. I had no idea people left that shit on.
Only just now reading this thread did I realize that the ugly plasticky stuff hanging off the front of my microwave control panel was a protective film that was supposed to be removable. I just assumed that it was the result of cheap construction; I didn’t remove it since I was worried the control panel would fall out or something.
I always remove it. Especially if it’s covering any air vents and might cause the device to overheat if it’s left on.
Depends. On a touch screen, there’s not much choice. On other stuff I leave it on to protect it.
Other than the Otterbox screen protector film on my phone, I peel all of that stuff off.
A couple of years ago, a co-worker was complaining that the screen on their new laptop was blurry. I immediately saw the pull-tab hanging over the corner of the display, gave it a quick yoink, and their vision problem went away. :smack:
My own pet peeve are those little constellations of stickers on laptops proclaiming stuff like the graphics chipset, wireless, made for Windows, etc. that people leave on until they’re a dirty, ragged mess.
The other item I’ve never found a clear consensus on are the little stickers, usually either clear or foil on things like crystal vases or candlesticks that say Poland, Waterford, etc. I hate them, but the owners of said crystal things seem to think a tattered sticker makes the item more valuable.
On occasion? Fuck that. As soon as the person isn’t looking, off that shit comes. It drives me mad, and I figure I’m doing the person a service by getting that film off of there. Also, there’s the tingle of glee it sends up my spine. 
You keep your smartphone in the same pocket as your keys? Mine go in opposite pockets…nothing ever goes in the same pocket as my phone, especially metal things like keys and change. Yikes.
As to the original question, peeling the film is part of unboxing/setting things up. If I’m installing a car stereo or something similar, I’ll leave it on while I’m doing the work to help avoid a scratch, but as soon as I’m done it’s coming off. I cannot imagine leaving it on, but I’ve seen plenty of people do it. That and leaving the stickers on TVs and laptops shouting about the specs/features. That crap is supposed to come OFF, people!
I remove it, especially if we’re talking about mobile devices, and I just make sure I’m careful.
The factory scratch protection is meant to protect on a temporary basis and doesn’t hold up as well, when compared to a dedicated product designed to do so over a longer term. Most have a specific portion where you’re supposed to peel, and this is exactly where dirt and fine particles start to get trapped, which can actually damage the display. Plus, air bubbles…no thanks.
Off it comes.
I peel it as soon as I know the item is a keeper. I did miss a tiny piece on my smart phone’s main button though…it stayed there about a week before I noticed it starting to peel.