I've been trying to figure out what the advice Marion quoted was referring to. First I'll define my terms:

Hardshell case: the good ones--durable shell, thick cushioned lining
Stiff case: glorified cardboard
Softshell case: sturdy fabric with thick cushioned lining
Gig bag: flimsy fabric

The advice under discussion: "Buy a soft guitar case rather than a hard case. A hard case weighs three times as much as the guitar and transfers all impact energy to the guitar in the case of a fall. Do not be deceived by the cheaper cases - $40 buys a bag but little padding, $80 buys something that you can drop and sustain no damage."

I'm not sure what "hard case" refers to. Hardshell cases do not routinely allow breakage from dropping, stiff cases do not weigh 3 times as much as a guitar (as far as I know, anyway).

The "cheaper soft cases" sound like gig bags. The recommended soft cases sound like softshell cases, but $80 sounds way low for a price. (I also wonder how far a drop can be endured and still suffer NO damage.)

Conclusion: I can't figure out what's really being said. Not enough clarity of terms used, too much contradiction with facts and common sense.