If it can't handle being checked, it shouldn't be sold as luggage. I'd just check it, AL luggage is meant to get some dings and dents that's part of the charm.

I wasn't aware that LH or CX had special Rimowa AL case handling? Can you provide a link to that? I have a LH Rimowa branded case and I'd be interested to read more (couldn't find it by searching). I'd be shocked if DL did anything like that.