FWIW, I've had my Aura HD for over two years now. I take it everywhere. I am careful with it, but not super cautious. It's still in perfect working order.
A few weeks ago I thought I'd killed it because I dropped it onto a concrete floor from a height of about one meter.
But I was lucky. It landed flat on its back and is still working perfectly fine. Not exactly poor workmanship I'd say.
Kobo customer service, though... Don't get me started.