Discussion on:

Three protective cases for different smartphone needs

Not sure which one I have, just got one for my new work cell-phone. .I think it's probably the commuter.
My thoughts: yes, it pretty much doubles the thickness of the phone (HTC Inspire), but love it. It's a big phone (height/width) to begin with, but I have large hands, so it's still easy to hold in one hand and use the button. Yes, they take a bit more work, but I have no problems using them.
That data-port flap. Honestly.. I love it. it's easy to close, easy to open. Just took a day of getting used to it being there. I also like how the combo came with an actual click/lock belt-holster. Most of the holsters I see, either are a complete fold-over lid, or have nothing to hold it in from one direction, so a quick jump over a puddle, say, makes it fly right out. Thankfully, I tend to get the more durable pop-on cases, so I haven't broken any phones that way. But the cases have gotten pretty beat up. Something that locks the phone TO the holster is a big plus.
The built-in screen-protector is nice too. I've heard others mention it gets too dirty and thus tricky to work the smartphone screen, but I've had no problem as of yet.

I never had a breakage problem with mine, and I'm pretty rough with it. Is it possible that he had a specific way that he wore his belt clip and a corresponding hard surface in his car or office chair that it always managed to bang against as he sat down?

Well, OK, maybe dropping it in the toilet does, but still, I'm glad to see that some phone manufacturers are starting to get with the program and do mild waterproofing and ruggedizing of their devices. But still, how hard is it to handle your phone with a modicum of care?