As a new iP17P owner, having just read, or skimmed half of the 220 pages in this thread, it's funny how the
more less things change, the more they stay the same.
In past research for a new case, Rhinoshield was the company that had difficulty delivering their products, and once they started shipping and reaching users, so did the reviews nitpicking their products' flaws, justified or not.
It appears that Caudabe, which used to be a darling for ultra-thin cases that were cheap, but good quality, is now the one receiving the slings and arrows.
Perhaps rightly so, but I imagine running a small company in a virtual space (their physical address points to a PO box), that mostly relies on suppliers thousands of miles away, and receives no help from Apple in their product development isn't exactly a easy, bump-free path to trod.
And unlike many other accessory makers, they're unable, or unwilling to make bets based on educated guesses as to what Apple will push out the door every September, just to have something on the shelf as soon as the the devices are.
The latter approach captures the early sales, but can result on beta-quality products if the guesses aren't precisely on target, or the production processes haven't been refined. So there is something to be said for waiting until Apple makes things public, and issues the latest version of its accessory design bible. Even if that upsets the impatient buyers.
A few other random thoughts about other points that have been brought up --
I prefer a covered plateau. Simple physics says that a giant hole cut into something will impact its structural strength, and without some form of reinforcement, be a compromise. With so many openings, especially now, it has still always been wise to follow any brand's guidelines for installation/removal to reduce the risk of breaking a case during the process.
And putting aside any aesthetic considerations, Apple is pretty clear that metal, or conductive material is not kosher for an area that covers the entire plateau, extending into the area below it. That would presumably extend to the metal rings used as guards, as well as the style of protective camera covers attached to an aluminum backing plate. (see figure)
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Another trend with cases of late seems to be the inclusion of provisions for lanyards. Apple included, which has received some puzzling reactions, likely from those who haven't been to Asia and seen it is a thing for some users. Still, lots of lanyard holes, but no lanyards for sale from other case brands.
Pressed for time, and the desire for a temporary solution, I've ordered a Spigen Rugged Armor, which seems to be a reasonably priced case with a good balance between bulk/protection/value. The Ringke Onyx, a close competitor is also attractive, but to me falls short in some details, like the coverage of the top speaker, and the shape of the plateau guard.
I usually buy both urban, and "off-road" cases to suit both needs, but my daily driver is usually a leather case of some kind, but I'll be more patient with that decision, and closely look at that mega-thread. I've used, and like Nomad's stuff, and it's great to see them finally branching out some in terms of colors, including Horween's famous #8, but I hesitate to pay full price, with a $10 premium on top for the color. But, Black Friday is coming soon, so…
Whatever the case may be (pun not intended), it seems the Device Protection Industrial Complex is still alive and humming, despite those that have become roadkill (RIP Evutec, but glad to see Pitaka still offering modern equivalents)
Kuxiu X40 v2.2, right? It has piqued my interest, and once you've figured out which model is which since they've done a poor job of differentiating them, it seems attractive.
But for close to $100, I expect to see MFi/MFAW certification, which is doesn't appear to have. Given the move to broad standards like Type-C and Qi2.x, MFAW is the last bastion of the MFi program, and still important given the tiny cells inside the Watch.
