How important is a glass rear window?

[mikesz]

I recently had my plastic window replaced for $450. I do the chop, put a soft cloth in between before lowering it. I live in RI so usually once the top goes down it stays down till the fall. I don't drive it in the winter. I also bought a conditioning kit for the rear window to keep it pliable. If I had a choice I would prefer a glass rear window so I don't have to have it replaced but as others have stated a well documented car goes a long way.