You mean gentleman and Mooch. Concerning the positive contact thing I can say I've seen cells badly dented out of a fall inside a flashlight, and witnessed small dents in the rear just by the sheer pressure of my tailcaps.
These cells are industrial products meant for battery pack assemblies, welded or soldered. I guess those who design their cans don't think there is a need to make them super tough.
A (low temperature) solder flat blob is a good reinforcing measure.
According to Mooch the performance of this cell is VTC5D class.
Henrik I guess you place the temperature sensor over the cell wrap but, thermocouple or thermistor?