But if I crack a jewel case, I can just replace it, not to mention I don't have to worry about damaging a cardboard case which I can't replace should I tear it.
Cardboard cases, and strange/awesome/unique album packaging in general, are totally awesome, but not practical. It's something you put on a shelf and safegaurd to prevent damage. Helll, I bought a CD binder for the sole purpose of sticking Merzbow CD's in, because almost all of his album packaging is very delicate and fragile to be used often. Merzbow's Timehunter boxset is awesome looking (a dayplanner with four 3" cd's), but I have only looked at it twice in the last couple of years that I have owned it, because I don't wanna bust it; I did a cdr of the tracks and listen to those instead.
So in closing: unique packaging is cool but not practical.