Is the B&R a good value at full retail? I've recently become a B&R convert and I think the answer is "it depends".

If you

- can pack the way the B&R is designed (fewer pockets, more open cubic space) and both a good warranty and
- you travel enough and you like to keep your luggage long enough that a great warranty, ease of repair and high construction and parts quality matter

then yes, the B&R is worth it.