> I can't recall the last time someone mentioned a phone or laptop being too thick as a downside in a review.

It's the "elephant in the room" sort of thing that doesn't need to be said because it's apparent and viewers know what they want in that regard. It does get acknowledged when reviewers that don't normally review toughbooks, review toughbooks, but it's an acknowledgement rather than a complaint. Why would someone even view a review of a toughbook if they cared so much about thickness?