I can't help you with network connections so much (it just makes me miss the office when our network jacks and power were above the desks -- the room had been a former machine room, and they kept the power high, and they didn't want to run the network across the AC)

But, I've kicked my share of power strips, and seen other people do the same, so I'll mention a trick that one of my former co-workers showed me:

Kick-proofing your power strip's on/off switch

1. Obtain the lid from a Gatorade or similar sized lid (about 1.5"/4cm inner diameter).
2. Using a box cutter or other utility knife, cut a rectangular hole in the top of the lid, large enough to get your finger through.
3. Orient the rectangular hole over the rocker switch on the power strip, and secure with duct tape.
4. Cut the duct tape away to expose the hole.

If you see no reason to ever turn off your power strip, then you only need steps 1 and 3, and no need to orient the lid.