I'm not sure any polycarbonate hard shell will last forever, although I think making you front 1/3 the new bag is pretty lame. I chose a Baseline soft sided based on this possibility, but maybe you need to look at Rimowa aluminum?

Edit to add: I am familiar with a different Reddit thread (couldn't find it off hand) where they were also offered about $450 or a demo bag. So it sounds consistent.

Edit#2 I found the link! https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLif...se_with_a_new/