Ah, I think Amazon makes a little money from the cover to compensate for the highly discounted Kindle... considering that the cover is some 30% of the Kindle's price, and I believe almost all people would buy a cover, whether they really need it or not (like me, who just read at home 99% of the time without a cover).
Oh, mine is a black one, just like Simon. Elegant and dignified, as you aptly describe it.
Yours appear to be the most unique and functional one.. so you shall be our mascot of the covert club.
Yes, it's a good practice to never leave any valuables in the luggage, especially not electronics. I've heard lots of horror stories from friends, and mine have been broken into as well once but nothing was taken as I only had dirty, smelly clothes in it haha.