Let's just say I agree with you about the iPhone 5, with the exception that my previous 5 looked pretty good for not having a case. A few nicks and one edge that had worn away the paint because of where I left the phone constantly in the car. My new 5 (a replacement) is perfect and I'm not leaving it in that same place in the car so I expect it to stay that way.
Cases. Another topic. Let's also just say I don't like them and don't use them. They get in the way of the beauty of the phone. Since I don't sell my phones, that removes the argument right there for keeping it cased for maximum resale value.