I think there is a lot of truth to the statement that "it depends on how you were taught".  For example, football and baseball can be played on astro turf or some variation, but isn't it just better when the games are played on real dirt and grass.  An even better example is aluminum baseball bats that go ping when you hit the ball.

I have Duluth packs which are 30 years old and still going strong.  I just like the way they look and feel.  I have a Granite Gear bag which is newer and has a padded waist and shoulder straps and a newer fabric for the body.  Functionally it is probably a better bag, but it never has felt right to me.  So packs are similar to women, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Westwood