The Matte finishes are amazing. Why this is not standard, I have no idea. I've owned both of the Nexus 7s and several phones with this matte and it is just pure genious. Not only does it feel effing amazing in the hand, but also hides marks and blimishes.
Fortunately for the population of smartphone users that have shiny smudgy phones, they make ultra thin cases like the Incipio Feather and Barely-There which offers the same texture and feel with the added benefit of some protection on the back.
Without a case, I can't even function. I'm freaking out about where I lay my phone down. Freak out when it slides around on my desk. I found Incipio Feather cases for my Galaxy Nexus and wife's iPhone... and can't go on without it. I bought my G2 at Verizon and immediately purchased and installed the blue Feather case. Never touched the backplate.