I agree the KX2/KX3 speakers are poorly placed. But, as a mainly CW op, I have to wear earphones anyway (usually under an over-the-ears woolly hat) to hear those 429 chasers above the summit wind noise or tarp flapping noise.
Since its introduction the KX2 has been criticized for its apparent lack of robustness. I suppose if you like to chunk your rigs about or carelessly let them fall among the summit rocks, you might have a point. I treat mine no differently from other portable rigs I have or had (e.g. FT817).
Yeah, my ~7yo KX2 still looks and behaves like new despite going on every HF activation [albeit the perspex display cover gets condensation on the inside after prolonged usage when the humidity is very high]. It’s not much effort to have it well wrapped inside the rucksack and – at the summit - well placed on something soft and low down [Andy, that’s not a euphemism].
Accidents will happen! I told you before: take a lightweight portable chair (like my Helinox Chair Zero). I’ve had no more cramps or backside aches since I’ve used it.
When operating in the rain, the KX2 goes in a repurposed see-through toilet bag with cables coming through the zip opening. See photo in link below …
Good advice. Me too. Actually I do that with everything that gets wet/damp.