It may be a space saving feature, but why do you need to save space when the case is still the same size? It is really a matter of preference. I, and many like me, feel that duel sided discs are lame, and thus to us they are lame. It isn't style over function, what better function do flippers have that two discs don't? Nothing! Again, it is a matter of preference, and since most places are going with the 2 disc method, seems that the majority prefer that over the duel sided discs.

Yeah, we all know the data layer of the disc is only protected by the label, but the fact of the matter is the top side is NOT more prone to damage, because the polycarbonate layer scratches VERY easily. The labels are usually very sturdy and resistant to damage, at least all the discs I have owned have been.

And as far as Ziz saying it is more than likely someone in that much of a hurry is going to place the disc label side up so they can see what it is, well, from my experience that is highly unlikely. I always see people placing them label side down on top of the player, I have seen friends of mine do it, my sister does it, and my wife does it. Bugs the crap out of me, just put the thing back in its case. I am grateful that at the very least, they put it label side down. It would take quite a lot to scratch through the label, and since my DVD player does not have an extremely rough and jagged surface or is not covered in rocks or cement, this has never been a problem for me. On the other hand, the polycarbonate on the data side of the disc scratches like mad just by using the wrong kind of cloth to remove smudges. Despite my wife putting my discs label side down on my player, and my sister doing the same before here, my discs all remain in pristine condition, both on their data side and on their label side.