I need to do some "test-driving" still.  However, I've been digging deeper into materials, construction, etc., & found myself zeroing in on Ostrom & CCS products.  Last night Dan Cooke of CCS was kind  enough to give me 20-30 minutes of his time providing me with a feature-by-feature comparison of the non-internal frame models mentioned.  [I'm just not sure my portage habits and occasional bushwhacks really warrant the internal frame feature.  I got to think about that some more.]  Setting the question of internal frames aside, however, I am about sold that I couldn't go far wrong by picking up CCS's Guide & Explorer packs.

I appreciate all the comments.  Again, the jury is still out until I do some test-driving.  Sooner or later some of my targeted equipment will go on sale & then I might make like an active fish, take the bait, and see if I get hooked.  Meanwhile, I'll just sort of let it dangle out there.  I'm not in my annual feeding frenzy just yet.....

Jimbo   8-)