What B&R models are you seeing on eBay for ~$100? I might be interested but I agree that the external handle is more of a downside to me than a feature (I pack socks/underwear between/outside the handle voids if I really need to maximize space.
The Ciao is a good bag for $30, but it's nowhere near the quality of the Eagle Creek. If the Eagle Creek drops even to $50, I'll jump on it in a heartbeat. At $80 I'll make due with the Ciao for now and maybe get the Eagle Creek for Christmas or after with gift cards.