I have the hardbounds and the pdfs of RMC. The hardbounds are great quality, and although they don't get a lot of handling, i think they will hold up pretty well.
I use the pdfs to print & laminate combat tables, print spell lists for specific characters, print stat gain tables etc to speed up char gen, and i also print a complete copy out and comb bind it. Then my players can look through those to their hearts content and get their grubby mitts of my hardbacks!!
Seriously though, even if you go for paper versions, get a pdf of Arms Law. It is invaluable.