I only clean my FP every third usage or so (that is, scrub down with soap to remove oils and residue).
My FP doesn't have any plastic components in the filter area, only in the top.
Yes, I have broken some FPs, one by juggling it out of a high cabinet and one by scrubbing it too aggressively while soapy. Like someone said, there are steel presses available as well.
> The glass is very fragile, potentially leading to breaking and even injury. Usually top-heavy designs, too.
After cracking my umpteenth glass cafetiere (what you call a french press in the US), I bought a metal one - that was around 10 years ago, and it's still going strong!
It's easy to clean too, but then every one I've had has been.
Mine is a Stanley 48oz french press made of 18/8 stainless. It was not cheap, but it is quite durable for camping and travel. I use a manual grinder with it and I try to use filtered water for boiling.
Yes, coffee equipment is best rinsed. Mokka pots even explicitly instruct you not to use soap and let the residues build to mask any potential flavor from the metal.
Doesn't really, I feel like s/he's just paying extra attention to some details s/he feels are important for them. Anyone doing this could also consider Turkish coffee. I personally don't like the soot of either so I'll do a Chemex-style instead (yes, filters..).
1) Many parts which must be cleaned.
2) Often the parts are plastic, which is unacceptable combined with hot water (or any, really.)
3) The glass is very fragile, potentially leading to breaking and even injury. Usually top-heavy designs, too.