I have dropped it, but was able to convert the downward motion to sideways by getting my foot under it in time. This was on grocery store tile, and I think the phone hardness must be harder than the waxxed tile, as there is not a mark from the 4 foot slide on it. That said, you drop this on concrete, and it will be just as you would expect scuffed aluminum to be.
I go without a case and slide it in pants pocket. If there is a finish on the device that can be worn off, I still cannot tell yet. So far, it looks like it does new if I clean it up. Its still only been a few months though, so get back to you in another 8 months more of pocket rubbing to see if anything wears off. It LOOKS like bare metal, but there was talk of all the "oils" being used on these to get that look. I can't say yet if it will wear off, so far it looks perfect.