It's actually the other way round, the polycarbonate (not plastic!) ones are more durable (function over form) and the aluminum ones are more susceptible to damage (form over function - it's also a lot heavier.)
It also helps that the HKG shops have good service and are very accessible (Elements, Central, TST East, etc)
I switched to Rimowa from Samsonite last year and never looked back. The wheels make all the difference, on top of the aesthetics. I'll admit tho I reli run after clearing HND immigration now because my bags have almost been mistakenly taken away by other pax twice
