I wrote a rather long post and it disappeared after I said submit reply. I'm not sure what happened. In any case, here goes again.

I have used the Costco Ricardo for some time and it is an excellent suitcase for the money. It has held up pretty well though it shows signs of starting to fail. I have not taken it back to Costco as I have no idea where the receipt might be.

My comments about maneuverability down the aisles is because a few inches does make a difference with aisles as narrow as they have become. A normal sized human can barely walk down the aisles without hitting someone on either side. I have been on nuclear fast attack submarines with wider passageways (and they are tight). I prefer not to hit my fellow passengers with my luggage so being slimmer and more maneuverable is important to me.

I have looked at the wheels on both the Ricardo and the Rimowa and neither has any brand identification. I can tell you from experience that there is a significant difference when pushing or pulling a loaded bag and less of a difference when empty. Also, the Rimowa wheels are quieter and smoother.

Lastly, on the packing, I will try and insert a picture or two of the packing system. It is not the one you showed. I have not seen it on any other luggage. The board like surface is pressed down on the clothes to compress it and the strap is pulled snug and secured by Velcro. Clothes stays put even when you open and have one half in the vertical position. Clothes does not tend to shift around if properly snugged down.