I bought the red Samsonite case about 2 years ago after having owned 2 other Samsonite Oyster cases in black. I agree I was a little gunshy about the flashy color but it works great at the airport and as you observed it is much more readily identifiable if someone tries to steal it.
I have no complaints with the Samsonite in the 15? years I owned them, other than my ex-wife liked them so much she took them in the divorce.