As a Baseline user S/M/L for seven years 25 return trips flying plus lots of UK travel a year with no issues, the problem I see with anything hardshell is that the shell itself cannot really be repaired, the wheels can, the handles can and the zips can. The offer of credit is reasonable, but it depends upon what the cost of the original bag is in today's prices. As to bringing back bottles of booze, just pack it well, hardshell doesn't really make much of a difference.