Hi JCinPA -

No need to apologize whatsoever.

You make good points, and a major one is that there is considerable difference in price.

You will also read here on FT that many are fine with an expensive piece of luggage until it is cracked, stolen, or it fails on them. That does occur, and when it does a new replacement luggage case for a better value is a valid consideration to make.

Most here on FT are more concerned about protecting packed items inside luggage, the ease of mobility through airports, and making connecting flights on time. Watching passengers arrive from flights is the real acid test on luggage: Some move effortlessly and quickly jet-lagged or not, while the majority it seems move slowly, struggling to pull tired, squeaky wheeled cases usually behind them.

Inheriting old luggage doesn't equal the item working any better either than it did when it was put, stored, or donated away. That makes a very good argument for your choice of luggage case and the excellent price you paid for it !

Again, Bonne chance !