I'm with you Dick, especially on the mid and upper end instruments. My Martin came with a gig bag but I think if you spend over a few hundred dollars, a hard case should be part of the bargain. Anything over $100 should have at least a gig bag too.
The Martin gig bags are worthless. They're awkward to use, offer little protection, but convey bragging rights, "Ooh, can I see your Martin?" Fine for a modern series one. My T2K deserved (and got) better.