I'm sure their warranty is great and all, but useless if I don't have access to a repair shop.

It clearly says I have to mail it to an authorized center, so that would be in HK. And if it's really been crushed, then they would need to send it back to the US. And then I'd to pay shipping for that too. Odds are if I'm buying a B&R, it would be one of their ballistic nylon products, so therefore unlikely to be damaged when stepped on.

Besides I had just returned from a trip and that is the only reason my suitcase damaged as it was on the floor. Never really had this problem before, so it's not really the manufacturer's fault.

Sure it's lifetime, but not entirely without strings.

Also I do like the look of aluminium suitcases, hence buying the Rimowa; if I wanted a regular suitcase, I can pick up a Samsonite for $100 that lasts forever, and if it breaks and isn't covered by warranty, oh it's only $100 for another one.

What I'm trying to say is if I was going to spend extra money on a suitcase it would have to be for functionality and design. If I wanted a simple suitcase, there are many cheap quality options out there for me, and warranty isn't really that important anymore.