Yes but they know that many people (virtually everybody in my experience) immediately cover and bulk up that beautiful form. It's not really like them to say "well that's their choice to ruin our beautiful work" - it's clearly a very important function. I would think they would take the challenge to make a version that can withstand some abuse and still adhere to their aesthetic standards.

They sell leather cases which fulfill that purpose for most day to day usage. I use the Apple cases because they don’t bulk up he phone and provide just enough protection.