I've given up checking luggage after getting bags destroyed every single time I flew once I started flying in the US. Now, if I have to check luggage I buy whatever is cheapest I can find locally and simply assume it will survive the one trip & be ditched at destination. It's worked so far and usually costs ~US$20 a case (hello, The Warehouse, in NZ!) and some strong fabric tape to wrap around it for added strength the once or twice a year I check luggage.

For carry on I currently have a rather nice Athalon hybrid. It's no B&R, but it also only cost $65 when I got it and I expect it to last ~10 years as carry on. My last carry on was a Henry (Gener-o-Brand!) and that lasted ~7 years.

Personally, I just don't see the point in spending large amounts of money on carry on: it doesn't suffer the same abuse and should easily last much longer. For checked luggage, if you're doing it a lot, sure, spend the money for the one you like with the warranty, but otherwise, IMO, go cheap and just replace it each time for the occasional check in.