For some reason Verbatim now sells its media in transparent cases. I think it happened at the same time the packaging no longer beared DataLife Plus marking. Which CD/DVD cases better protect the disc, black or completely transparent.

I think black trays are better when it comes to protect the discs from light but as the inlay paper blocks sunlight to some extent I don't think it's something to be really worried about - and I think the transparent trays have the advantage that they are not rough.

Anyway, I think it shouldn't matter, if you have really important data, you would store the discs in a cool, dry and dark place anyway

I see. I have also heard that many people store optical discs in the cakeboxes they're sold. What's your opinion about storage conditions inside a cake box?

I got an access to "Made in Japan" Verbatims but they are only sold as cakeboxes there. So I'm thinking if it would be wise to store the discs there after recording.

Storing discs in cakeboxes is the worst idea ever , just think about how would you access your discs
I was stupid enough to store some discs in 25 disc cakebox and when trying to pull a disc out , all of the discs were going to drop from my hands.
I always get black full sized jewel cases with clear plastic front

I can't quite agree with that.

For some backups I never expect to use (because I have primary backups on harddrives) I usually store them in old 10/25/50pc cakeboxes because that is far more space efficient than using jewel-cases or DVD cases.

For discs you actually expect to use more than once, storing them in cakeboxes is not practical IMO.

I have had very good luck with this
case and they have now improved the case and all the sleeves. I have never had any scratches and you cannot beat the price.

Well, I partly agree, but because I often use my backups a lot, storing in 50 disc cakeboxes is not too tempting.
Good idea for secondary backups though.

I should have added : For me
I ,for one , always use my burnt discs , so cakeboxe storage is not an option and its only advantage is space saving and the dissadvantages are far more
Full sized jewel cases are for the ultimate protection but space .......
I put my discs in 2 rooms other than mine and some time in the near future , me , my sisters and my parents would leave the appartment for my discs

This is the method I use, but, everything on those discs is also on HDD. So the discs are seldom if ever used.

One thing I've noted though: There's a tendency for some discs to stick together under combined weight in larger cake boxes over time. This of course maybe revealing a moisture or humidity problem?

What kind of icing is on the cake? I've only had this problem on inkjet printable discs, even in <40% humidity.

Combination printable and non printable. I use whatever HQ media I have available atm. Mostly Verbs and some TY. Contents written on with Staedtler permanent marker pen.

I had the same issue with a few tubs of unused older media too. They're easily seperated without apparent damage.