Survivor Slim iphone 5 Case Review & picking an iPhone 5 case!

So, if you didn't know already I finally got an iPhone 5!! T-Mobile has finally gotten the iPhone and I am so happy to finally get one! I'm loving it, although I must say that choosing a case was much more difficult than I had expected....
When choosing a case probably the most important thing I look for is PROTECTION. I drop my phone all the time, so I defiantly needed a case that would protect against drops. The 5 cases I looked at and considered were: The Lifeproof fre, Otterbox Defender, Griffin Survivor, Griffin Survivor Slim, and those pretty rhinestone hard cases. These are the pros and cons I found that helped lead me to my decision after DAYS of research, video watching, reading countless reviews, and so on.
1. The Lifeproof fre:  The lifeproof cases sound like a dream! Waterproof, snow proof, dust proof, and drop proof. They aren't as bulky as the otterbox and do come in colors. They also offer the warranty thing like otterbox that if the case is damaged and is purchased from them or an authorized reseller/retailer and registered they will replace the case. BUT if there is fault with the case and it ruins your phone, the phone replacement is on you.
Pros: Obviously the fact that it's water proof, shock/drop proof, dust proof, and snow proof.... Although even with passing the water test that you're supposed to do before putting your phone in it, I'm still not sure I'm 100% confident. Things happen and that's a pretty big risk. The cases aren't meant to be taken on and off either, so I just felt like it's still a pretty big chance although some people really love theirs and they have taken them swimming and everything else.
Cons: THE PRICE. $80.00 for a case is just a little much for me. I don't have that to shell out, especially with not being 100% confident. I also saw a lot of people had issues with the plastic screen protector. It doesn't sit flat on the screen so it's hard to use at times. It also has a headphone adapter because of the fact it's waterproof so you can't just plug your headphones in which seems like a hassle.
2. The Otterbox Defender:  These cases have been around a while and most people use them. I've never had anyone that I know have any issues with them, and they seem to be quite protective.
Pros:  Drop proof, dust proof. They are drop proof which is what I needed the most. I've never had anyone I know have any issues and they do come in lots of colors so it was a top choice for me. They are only about $50.00 which is still steep but not that bad for the protection.
Cons:  The bulkiness. This was the biggest turn off for me. I want protection but I don't want a huge phone.
3. The griffin Survivor:  The griffin survivor is very similar to the otterbox. Just a different brand.
Pros:  Comes in colors, protective, dust proof. They got very good reviews as well. Didn't read about too many issues with them and they are vey similar to the otterbox.
Cons:  Again, bulkiness.
4. The Griffin Survivor Slim:  This is the case I ultimately ended up choosing. I paid 40.00 for it but so far so good!
Pros:  Comes in colors, drop proof, shock absorbent. This is again, what I was looking for the most and it meets o exceeds military standards for both categories. It also isn't super bulky. It's a polycarbonate case that goes around the back and sides, and then the silicone case that goes around the sides, back, above the home button, and around the front camera so that if it does drop the screen shouldn't hit the ground. It fits nicely in my hand and doesn't add too much bulk.
Cons: It's not dust proof. The bottom is completely open so you can touch the phone and the speakers and everything aren't blocked. The screen protector is just a normal one that protects against scratches (not a built in plastic one), the front camera is just a cutout so you can touch it, and same with the back camera. On the back camera you can see a little of the back of the phone also. Where the silent//vibrate flip button is, is also open but the volume buttons are covered.
5. One of those pretty hard cases: I really love the look of some of them. The jewels, the rhinestones, everything!
Pros: They are super unique and pretty. Also, CHEAP.
Cons: I was afraid they wouldn't provide much protection if I did happen to drop my phone, and I wondered if the feel of the rhinestones would become annoying.

After debating for awhile, I went with the Griffin Survivor Slim because it wasn't too bulky, provided protection against drops, came in the color I wanted, and was a reasonable price. For me, I felt like an otterbox or griffin survivor was just overkill. Do I really need that much protection? Do I really want to take the chance in pay $80 for the lifeproof to not love it and find out later, that for whatever reason water still leaked in? The only thing The griffin survivor slim isn't dust proof but for a college student the dust shouldn't be too much of an issue. I do have cats and the cat here stick to the silicone some if they are laying on, or rubbing against the phone but comes right off. But most cases aren't dustproof and I don't really find that I have the need for it. This was a hard decision for me, and so far I feel I've made a good one. One thing I do LOVE About the griffin survivor slim is it has a little bit of a curve on the side so it's even more comfortable in your hand and doesn't slip out of your hand easily. Choosing a case isn't the easiest decision, there's SO many options now a days but it's all about what works for YOU. What might work for a friend, might not be the best option, so consider everything and think about what you REALLY need in a case.