The Back Buttons on their own are not great.
IF you are going to do some customization - I highly recommend swapping them out.
I only did the back plate and I keep it in a case so I barely notice the clear purple back but I Do notice the new triggers. They feel so much better.
https://jsaux.com/products/transparent-back-plate-for-steam-deck-pc0106
Hard disagree on the case. The Steam Deck is not made to be dropped like your average Game Boy. Far too expensive, and far too fragile.
I have dropped it exactly 1 time, 2 feet off a couch and I had to replace both triggers on one side.
The cases are not expensive. I had the Spigen one for $15 and now I have the Jsaux Mod Case.
The Jsaux Mod Case which is nice because it allows you to slide a battery pack on, and it has a hard screen cover so you can slap it in a bag, and not worry.
But I mostly use it because it allows me to use a lanyard.
Also I've never seen the bottom crack "from stress" but again I only dropped it once.
Side note:
It is a heavy device, it is giving me cubital tunnel syndrome from propping my elbows on tables. No idea what to do about it other than play less.