I think it all depends on the person. For example I have been called a neat freak. My three-year old N95 still looks almost as good as it did the day I bought it. I care for my gadgets and don't do silly things like phone and the keys in the same pocket. I have a rule (with my G1 at the moment in a protective case).. One pocket is G1 and flat things (Credit card, tram card). The other pocket - Keys and wallet. I'm well balanced on both sides and my gadgets are happy in my pockets. Now for scenario 2.. My sister... No matter what phone she gets, it will look like **** in a months. First of all she's not a smart-phone user... Every time she asks to use mine, I have to wipe make up from the screen. When I pick up her phone which lands in her purse with the keys, make up, jewelry etc I have to wipe the dust off of it. So don't ask if the screen scratches easily. If you are the kind of a person that will beat up your gadget - it will happen no matter what. The screen could be made of diamond and you'd still manage to scratch it. If you are the kind of person that cares for your toy - then your gadget will have none or one or two scratches. Remember... It's not how your gadget treats you - it's how you treat your gadget.