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They are literally the worse possible build for abuse, which is why I laugh/cringe so hard when fanboys go off about how durable they are.

It's that whole subjective/objective thing all over again.

Its the myth of aluminum as a superior material for ruggedness. Yes, plastic is cheap, and yes we associate metal with quality...but compare some high speed footage of how plastic and aluminum deform in order to absorb impact energy. Plastic has a lot of springback, and can deflect a helluva lot without violating its modulus. Aluminum is basically opposite, and while more rigid, goes into failure with a lot less deflection. It doesn't absorb shocks, and it doesn't lessen the impact forces acting against the components its supposed to be protecting.

But it sure looks pretty. Especially when sandwiched between pieces of glass. And we all know how wonderfully forgiving glass is.