Decided to finally post in this thread.
8 months since I have the 7E. No protectors and no scratches (knock on wood). I have put a slim cover case, though. I also never put anything else with the phone and try not to take it out when in public.
Also want to ask a question. If you drop your phone, does a screen protector make a difference? I am not asking about tempered glass, just normal ones. I am also not asking about scratching scenarios - protectors clearly prevent that, but what about actual drops - do they make that big of a difference?
I mean, a hit on the display will probably go beyond a nylon thin cover and actually impact it beneath, correct?