As for me, it has only dropped once. Thankfully, there was no visual damage. What about you?
Half a dozen. Twice in parking lots. Once I drove away and did not know that I had dropped it until my Bluetooth beeped. Most recent time was today. So far, no damage.
That said, the hardware is consumable. The value is in the data (e.g., contacts, calendar, music, books, movies, trips) and apps. All of these are backed up.
I have my 3GS for about a month now
i didn't drop it yet but i was rushing (at work) and forgot it was in my pocket and pretty much dropped a 10lb box right on the screen
i was ****ting myself but luckily there was no damage.
I used to have a leather slipcase for my 3G that clipped to my belt. I was walking my dog around the block when my phone "slipped" out of the slipcase, hit the asphalt landing hard on the phone's corner and then slid 2ft. on it's face. The result?
No scratches on the glass screen...thank God it wasn't plastic....nor was the screen cracked. Plus a small ding on the corner with a few scratches on the casing. The phone still works perfect!
Twice, but it's gotten more damage being in my pocket when I used to put my keys in the same pocket, lol. The result? A few scratches on the screen, but nothing too bad.
i think i am too paranoid about it.. i never dropped my 3g unless it was on the couch or somewhere soft, and havent dropped my 3gs either... im not always being the most balanced person, but i think i am always watching out in the back of my mind that i dont drop it!
I've had mine for 3 weeks now. I just finally got around to putting an incase slider & an invisishield screen protector on it last night. What do you know... Today I dropped it as I'm getting out the car right on the asphalt. Luckily it's undamaged!
Those slip cases are hazardous, I tell you. I used to have a leather one that had a flap that covered the front. It was a tight fit for the longest time. I used to fold the cover back to use the phone at times (to contain it --the cover), but beware b/c the slip mesh fitting sleeve gets loose over time. Don't get accustomed to being able to hold your phone upside down for any reason--pictures or whatever 'cause it will one day fall out. Mine did one night and hit the tile in my foyer. SPLAT.....CLACK...CLACK...CLACK, etc... Not a good sound! Luckily there was no observable damage. I was impressed to say the least. After that, that case was out. I then bought a rubberized, vinyl skinned snap case from 'MyBat' that I have used ever since. I must say here though that I really enjoy the feel of the phone with no case. It has such a cool feel. (sorry, but it does.) I keep it in an empty front pocket of
my jeans when not in use. The prob w/ cases in general is that they don't work with all the accessories and you're constantly
taking them off and on. Bummer. In my truck I have the suction cup holder that attaches to the windshield and holds the phone in accessability and it req. the phone to be naked, so more oft than not I just leave it that way.
Thus far, I've been pleased with the case. A very hard plastic outer shell with rubberized liner and edges. If I ever drop it I'll let you know how it actually worked out.
I drop my 3GS at least 5 times a week. It doesn't even phase me anymore. There are some scratches on the back and a small crack but nothing major. I only use a case while I am snowboarding, but then I put the serious protection on with an otterbox defender.
Once, taking it out of my pocket to put through the Xray machine at work. Hit the metal rail, scratch on the screen. I was surprised how little it really bothered me. At this point my theory was it will make my iPhone look like a veteran.
had it for 6 months dropped about 6 times or so, one was in the parking lot, my fiance and her brother were play fighting, he had my phone and i wasnt paying attention, luckily capsule rebel saved it not even one scratch, other than that just a few drops on a carpet floor
More times than I care to admit. 
