It offers the same level of protection that can be expected of a Booq sleeve. Both will offer protection against bumps and nicks but really offer no drop protection.
So far, I have not noticed anything abnormal. There is a slot on the bottom to allow heat to dissipate. I think it would be comparable to using a Speck case.
I agree that you can't see the beautiful look of the laptop. But I needed some protection that could be on full time and after looking at similar products, the Case-Mate looks and performs better.