Baggage treatment seems about the same world-wide, although experience leads me to suspect Sky Harbor was the site of the Western Hemisphere Baggage Damage Academy, since moved to Lost Guardia.

1. Expensive bags may last longer than cheap ones but not by much.

2. Long ago, discovering a discount store going out of business, I bought a dozen carryons in Navy, Forest Green and Black for $5 each (the sort that retail for $39.95 or so). A little personalizing with a little "Day-Glo" duct tape on the handles, a lot of traveling since, and I still have 4 left, even after giving away a couple to "damaged in transit" friends.