It has its niche. Those who like it, really like it. My friend is basically only going to go with flip phones from now on because it fits completely inside his pockets and that it can act as its own tripod.

That's because you are thinking about it only as a phone. I got Fold4 in attempt to replace my laptop which I have to carry around almost 24/7 due to work. Fold4 has been successful in doing so 95%. It's still no replacement for laptop, but paired with comfortable bluetooth keyboard it's more than adequate for a quick fix or slight bit of work.

This is the second year I've had it and I am yet to run into problems. I do have original Samsung's case for it because that was the only way to get a pen for the phone. I played with new Fold6 and I can tell you it's far more robust and better made, so I'd expect even fewer issues with it. Fold4 without case is a bit slipper and entirely too heavy. Something new version addresses very well.

No. And 2 friends I know that have them are constantly replacing due to damage

this is my thought too. i take my phone out hundreds of times a day and wonder how this would affect me if i had to unfold that much.

I'm the sort of person that takes it out of my pocket and puts it back a lot. It's not a big deal honestly, it feels good to open and close it.