I have had an Absolute since 2013, used every weekday with a heavy-ish Tumi computer bag. I love it, grips great and does definitely make a difference in dynamic weight of the bag. A couple weeks ago I switched out the Tumi for a Cadet and it's perfect. Fewer pockets but a lot lighter, and the Absolute made the switch too, it's still with me every day.
So, getting ready for a 16 day trip in Germany. Car type trip, 3 cities and a lot of city walking. I have chosen to go with a CoPilot as a shoulder bag with a micro type backpack inside for larger totes back from a store with water & snacks. I just don't have a feel for how the Absolute will work. I am not too fond of the standard shoulder strap though and feel the larger one will be more comfortable. I just hope it's not too out of proportion for the CP.
Side Kick note, I am grabbing one of these too that will probably be very lightly packed, just passports, phone sometimes, earbuds, more of a personal bag for the plane I guess than anything, while the CP can be my carry-on. It will travel together in the CP in town, and while the Side Effect may have been better for that nesting, I couldn't see using it because my iPhone is a Plus size and it can't sit vertical in the SE. TC was a consideration as well but it's not available at the moment.
The only other bags I considered for town were the Synapses and the 25 is way too big/heavy for what I need most of the time, the 19 may be great for my trip EDC but I am taller and probably larger than recommended. The CP and/or SK will probably both be great for future weekend trips so I don't think they will go unused.
I have rambled a bit as an introduction and I guess I have bottled up a lot to say up to now. Hello!