Yes AR coatings are softer than the underlying crystal, but unless you are using sandpaper to clean your crystal, the coatings if properly applied are durable. I am not particularly cautious with any of my AR coated watches and none have damage. By choosing to go only with one side coated crystals, you lose 50% of the positive benefits clarity in viewing the dial and the reduction in reflection. Some manufactures are using inferior and cheaper coating techniques at a cost to performance. I would not lump all manufactures in the same boat and degrade the real advantages of AR coatings. This, obviously, is my personal opinion.