Tom Bihn is like the Tom Givens of packs. He has been around for a long time and is not stuck in his ways-Bihn products are top notch & constantly improving and evolving. You may not agree with every feature/design cue-but it is clear that TB has thought about it and has a good reason for it.
On of my contemporaries at work is all in re TB. He, his wife and three kids (10, 12 and 15 ish) have literally thousands worth depending on the "mission" (trip/school/activity.) No issues with anything. It all just works.
They have done Disney, US road trips, Europe and cruises. Everybody has two bags max. Everybody carries their own stuff. Wear one outfit, pack 5 max. Factor in the weather and activity level and go.
I too have been scared off by price as I have tended to focus of the intersection of quality & value in this space. I suspect if I was a serious road warrior and/or I did not have two kids in college, I would trade in my slick Eagle AIII ( a bag full of bags) and get the SYNIK 30 and drive on. The built in organization is very appealing.
If I was picking nits re TB, I think their warranty/g-tee is a bit soft given the pricepoint. eBags, Eddie Bauer and Osprey are 3 manufacturers who still g-tee for life with no hassles.
as always-ymmv