Came across this thread and throwing my two cents.
A.
Traveling with a soft case or cardboard box is taking a huge gamble. I mean you're traveling with your $$$$ steed after all and the amount of money spent on it and all the sweat & training, who would want to take a chance with those gorillas at the airport. We all know they're not gentle on anything and when they see fragile stickers they throw the luggage even further - sick bastards!!!
With security - you should try to watch (if u can/possible) and they will repack much more thoroughly.
I find that damage is most often caused by OVERPACKING the bike case, so keep it simple - just bike, shoes, wetsuit and that's it. Remember, if it's HEAVY for you it's heavy for the airport handlers and simple physics is that the heavier the case / luggage the higher the chance of damage to the case/luggage and its contents.
B.
I've used
bikeboxrentals.ca and they are five star!!! They know their stuff about travel, they pack my steed really well, the cases are clean, they are very detailed, and communication is fast. I have used their trico cases as well as the bikeboxalan brands (they are much lighter & easier to pack/move around). I even sent a buddy who lives in Vancouver to them and he bought a new bikeboxalan case from them- loves the case. Give them a shout.
If you're traveling not that often, renting is obviously the way, but if you want convenience and or you're traveling "more" often then yeah, purchase - it's an long term investment.
Hope this helps :)