Long time reader, first time poster here. I know this has been discussed to death, but I'm hoping to receive some advice from luggage experts on this forum.

I am planning on investing in some quality pieces of luggage and can't decide what to get. I'm deciding between Rimowa Salsa Deluxe, Zero Halliburton Geo Polycarbonate and Briggs & Riley Torq.

Style
I personally like the look of the Rimowas, followed by Zero Halliburton and then Briggs Riley.

50/50 Split?
I've read that the 50/50 clamshell design is a nuisance compared to a 80/20 or 100/0 design because you can't prop it up on a luggage trolley and have to open it all the way. Is this really a huge issue?

Quality
Briggs & Riley seem to have the best warranty as they'll replace anything which is a huge bonus. Are Rimowa and Halliburton known to be difficult in honoring the warranty?

Size
My trips are never usually more than 2 weeks at a time. I was thinking of getting a 26" and a carry on (20"). Is this overkill? Last trip I took, my carry on was a weekender bag and I found it miserable dragging that thing across the airport and also having it constantly fall of my check-in bag everywhere else.

Also between a checked bag and carry on, what's better, to have a sturdier (and heavier) check in bag and a lighter carry on, or a lighter check in bag? In other words, I know one should invest in sturdy check in luggage, but I'm hesitant because I'd hate to throw so much money in something that will likely get damaged...so better to spend the money on a carry on?

Thanks!!