This is my first post on TPF, although I have been a bit of a lurker for awhile
I thought I would give my two cents...
I have a purple suede velo that I love to pieces! I know some think suede is too delicate but I find it quite sturdy. You don't have to worry about fingernail marks or scuffs and it also has that "broken in" feel right away - it already lays flat against my body when worn cross body, while my other (non suede) velo still has more of a structured feel.
Of course my favorite thing about suede Bal bags is the combo of the pewter hardware AND the tassels! I think I would be much more of a mini giant hardware fan if the bags came with the tassels too!
I wouldn't say I baby my bag. I haven't sprayed it with anything. I wouldn't go out in the pouring rain or anything but I have been caught out in the rain before and it's held up fine. The only sign of wear on it is where the studs meet the suede when the handles are lying flat against the bag - and that's only on the base of the handles, not very noticable. I've had this bag for over a year.
I would say the only downside to the suede is I kind of feel it's a seasonal fabric, I just can't bring myself to use it in the summer.