My first NF MM DE had problems with the leather around the open top. I show you a picture, this is easier than explaining. I never cinched my NF and don't know, why this happened. I brought it to LV and they sent it to Paris for repair. I got my repaired bag, brought home and took out from the box they put it in - and it was broken again, even worse!!!! Immediately I called the customer service and they told me to bring it again. I was extremely upset about the problems, you can imagine! Then they gave me a new Neverfull and a Snow Globe as excuse for all the troubles. Now I have my new one since last June and no more problems, knock on wood
I don't baby this NF, but I never cinch the sides! The new leather feels softer than the old one, maybe that's the reason why it holds up better.