I am also puzzled as to why someone would think that anything hardshell but still relatively soft would come out unscathed after being checked-in. I had a Rimowa Topas come back with three of four wheels totally ripped off. Now that's what I call impact.

You either need to change the expectations or change the type of luggage. If you decide for the latter I recommend ABS luggage, notably Samsonite and Delsey. That is very sturdy plastic and I have seen cases that have traveled for 20 years and still looked alright (mind you, not like new and they never were as pretty as the Rimowa stuff in the first place). If you want to have a case that hardly shows any wear and that you can check in without fear of anything breaking (on the case or in it), get a big and black Briggs & Riley Baseline suitcase. They are heavy but very sturdy. In principle they are a five-sided hardcase. So the protection of the contents is almost as good as a full hardcase. Unless you regularly transport fine china and crystal it won't matter.

The black nylon won't show scuff marks, it won't rip and it is very abrasion resistant. The life-time warranty of BR is one of the best in the business.

Alternatively you could buy the Travelpro Platinum line. Same thing.

Summing up:

- Polycarbonate and alu = fragile exterior surface but good protection and good looks in the beginning.

- ABS and heavy nylon = very durable exterior surface, possibly even better protection and looks are getting comparatively better

- In this case you are a victim of marketing or your own expectations. You like the shiny looks and form factor but you are disappointed if that doesn't last.

That's why I said, either change expectations or change luggage to different materials.

Till