Reading through this, also a first time leather case guy, these are main decision points for me, in case it helps anyone:
1) Is the extra magnet in the Apple case worth whole for those who want to magnetize this to a mount, irrespective of charging? Not having an extra slab of steel in my case would be wonderful.
2) Open or closed bottom lip. I think I prefer the open for a few reasons on all phones X+: without that lip open, it's hard to figure out which way is up without feeling for the speaker—the phones are nearly symmetrical in all directions, it's easier to swipe up, and in three years I never damaged the phone despite abusing the crap out of it, seems that area doesn't matter much. Apple could solve this if the phone UI would flip in all directions.
3) Buttons. I hate molded buttons. This eliminates most cases. Real clicky buttons are as important for feedback and which side you're holding as the lip for which way is up.
4) Bulk. Sturdy but not heavy. I'm not gonna drive my car over it.
5) Patina. I love the colors but they look like crap as they age (to me). I hate the saddle brown but it looks beautiful aged. Will mine ever get there? One person mentioned the Apple buttons are too bright for agin, and now I can't unsee it.
6) Grippiness. The more the better since phones are already heavier than I like, and require more pressure to hold. I have heard mixed things with leather. I might need to scratch up the sides or dry them out with isopropyl.
Ultimately I suspect I'll order the Bullstrap in Bourbon which appears to hit all points except MagSafe magnet (TBD on weight and texture). I might grab the Apple case to see if/what I am missing with the magnet for car mounting.
Hope that helps someone! Will send pics in the next few weeks!