Its definitely a nice to have feature. It didnt get regularly used because of wireless earbuds for me, but when I NEEDED it, it was always clutch. But I just keep a USB c dongle on my corded headphones now, its fine. Gets the job done.
Also for my wired IEMs, I use a wireless Bluetooth adapter. When I’m on the move I just need some noise not audiophile quality so its fine for me.
I mean… a thick case? Thats shat I’ve seen most commonly in the field. Old foreman with an old iPhone in an Otterbox that hasnt been cleaned in 2 years.