"5. They stick out too far, which takes the already small hope I had of fitting the device in my pocket (due to its size) away. I am terrified of those things getting caught on something or breaking."

I think I've heard this complaint one too many times from people who haven't actually held a PSV that wasn't bolted down to a kiosk.

*edit* five seconds later, his pants fell down around his ankles and exploded.*end edit*

That's great.  Now what if the guy wanted to sit down?  I got a PSV the day it released but, personally, I wouldn't take it out of the house until I got a carrying case.  Just like a lot of people, I'm worried about something damaging the control sticks--or even stopping them from functioning properly.  It's a valid worry.  If those things break, you can't just go out and buy another controller (I worry about scratching the front and back screens, too).  I treated my PSP and DS/3DS the same way, though.  Wouldn't put any of them in my pocket if I can help it.  Not even a cargo pocket.

I hate the Vita in general, does that count?

You don't, obviously. You take it out of your pocket first just like any smartphone. 

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I'm not worried about the analog sticks breaking. They're solid and on the odd chance I manage to break one without totalling the entire device (unlikely), I can order new ones, take it apart and fix it myself. 

The front screen on the other hand, like any touch screen device, should have a protective film on it at minimum. Doesn't matter if the rear panel gets scratched up, but a protective film can be stuck on that as well if it's an issue. The design engineers probably should have just put four rubber feet on the back to keep the panel from laying flush on surfaces. It's something I may do myself in the near future. 

I've been carrying mine around in the PSP case that came with the MGS Peace Walker LE bundle. It fits like a glove. Goes in the inside jacket pocket or thrown in my bag.

In retrospect, all the fuss over portability or more specifically, the lack there of, now sounds like a lot of typical gamer rage noise.

Totally agree with you on that one.  It's only an inch (maybe) bigger than a 3DS and I have no problem carrying both and my smart phone wherever I go.  People just love to make a big deal out of nothing.  If that extra inch is that big of a deal, wtf!

Oh, and I have a screen protector on my Vita, too.  When I got mine, I picked up this bullshit starter kit with a 4GB memory card, some headphones, a napkin to wipe my jizz with, a screen protector, and a sock that was passed off as a carrying case.  I took it back and got a real leather Vita case but I stole the screen protector as payback for my troubles.  That'll teach Sony to try and put one over on me!

Didn't like them at first, but I had a four hour session of Stardust last night and by the end didn't even really think about it. They work fine once you're used to them I think, if something like Stardust works fine with them it is most likely a getting used to thing.

i just played with one at best buy, i was shocked how little they were and how limited the movement was. I get that they addressed the psp's issues to fit gamers needs, but i think 2 good slide pads would be better.

no i don't hate them, how ever i hate the fact it's not more form fitting like the ps3 controller. i have big hands.

Well I'm not much of a portable gaming person, however I tried the PSV at a gaming store and the sticks felt fine to me.