I've tried several phones from touch pad to black berry to POS and none of them are as satisfying to use as a flip.
Mostly because of all the above reasons. Personally I don't like having to carry a phone on my belt to protect it from accidentally pushing the buttons while in my pocket. I'm in all sorts of not nice places where I just get the thing caught on protruding objects.
With keys, pens, random bits of kibble in my pocket, the solution always goes back to the flip phones.

Ok, yes I love doing the star trek thing too!

Oh, we've been making mouse trap for years. Part of MESA (mathematics, engineering, science achievement) competitions. they are easy and fun to make.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39ZTJ_illmI

usually we teach them to add a metal rod to the hinge, glue to a piece of balsa wood, use ringlets and dvds and away you go!