I have walked in the rain with my phone. I have dropped my phone over a dozen times with a mediocre at best case. It still works and looks as good as new. I dont have any complaints.
I also agree with the article. Add the Qi charging back and it's also very easy to charge. Although I still feel that leaving the Qi coil out of a $600 phone is absurd - in 2014 you have to plug a phone in to charge it? Really?.