If a product requires you to tape over it and use a modified case then is it really worth buying?
I have a Samsung P2 which I haven't paid much attention to and it has very few minor scratches.

First thing I did when I got a 4th gen 20gb ipod years ago was to put clear packing tape over the screen and wheel, and then put it in a molded silicone case. If you are careful and get the tape on with no bubbles underneath, it's completely invisible. No scratches and it's nearly indestructible - I haven't even had to replace the tape yet.

Here, I've stripped out all the padding and to isolate the essence of your comment for you: "I don't understand modern economics."

Just like everything else today, made in China as cheap as possible because these big companies want it made as cheap as possible for maximum profit margins. Many companies left the USA because our taxes should be illegal, they are so high on companies. We have the highest corporate tax rate in the industrial world. I don't blame companies for jumping ship so to say and I am not going to even touch on government red tape, union hacks and tree hugger red tape and the Socialist I mean Democrat party wants to raise them higher like that will bring them back. Oh I forgot we have hope now. I don't understand modern economics. If you don't show double digit growth every year you are supposedly doing badly. What's wrong with just running a company that sells x quantity for a profit and be happy with.

The case, if you recall, was only shipped with iPod Nano AFTER the reports of scratches started to increase.

Hmm, why do I think it's just people being careless? It was the smallest player when it was released, kind of easy to slip in a pocket without thinking.

FWIW My first gen nano is slightly dented (from an accidental trip down a flight of stairs) but almost completely scratch free as I kept it in the handy case they supplied. Come one people, it can't be that hard.

It looked nice when you opened your wallet, right? This is all that matters. Also, I guess most of them should've bought ANOTHER Apple player by now. You know, they never learn.