The price seems awfully high for how little there actually is to this case, but, I have had iPhones since the original in 2007, and I have to admit that this is the best case I have ever had. So I am not going to argue.
With AppleCare, I don't really feel the need for anything more protective – I mainly just want to avoid scratches. It is ultra thin, pleasing texture, and manufactured with great care so that everything lines up perfectly. I just went from the Pro to Pro Max, so having a thin case helps alleviate the increase in pocket bulk.
Some people like buttons on the case rather than openings – this case is thin enough that you don't miss them. Some people also don't like a lower lip on a case – if I was not also using a screen protector I would probably agree. But with one, the lip of this case feels better when swiping up than the edge of the glass protector when caseless.