I actually like the plastic protector and I hated it when I first saw it. Looked at it as stupid, but it's quite nice and molded really well to fit the keys.
As for the echo and the "NobodyCanHearMe" issue, both of those are still huge for me and I'm waiting for OtterBox to reply to my email.
So far, good protection is not worth the tradeoff of lousy sound quality with no fix, especially on a business phone. Oh, and BB issuing software that limits the volume to 50% isn't a fix, it's a bandage.
As for Nextel service, two tin cans and a string are better quality than their phones and a street vendor in Calcutta provides better customer service....even on New Year's Day.....after a soccer riot. Nextel=NexFAIL