It's also 3 times bulkier than any Samsung/Sony smartphone, though. If that's the price, I don't want it.

That's an exaggeration. They are no bigger than any other phone in a rugged case. If anything a bit smaller really since the "rugged case" is integrated into the phone. I have my work iPhone in an otterbox and its far bulkier than that.

I use my Samsung S9 without any case since the Gorilla glass is more than sufficient for me. It had its fair share of falls on the road when I was getting out of a car - still looks almost new. It even slid down from the top of a roof into the gutter when I was fixing an antenna there - few minor scratches on the back, nothing more.

Nice anecdote. Most people still put their expensive phones in cases. Even if its just a glove type.

I dont think so, just looking around the office where I am right now only 2 people out of 15 have their phone in a case.