WA has a great population of bears because the state seems to be managing for predators (can't hunt them with dogs or bait and closed the spring season). But the fall season is long. The advice to find a food source that doesn't get a lot of human traffic is spot on.
We had a 2007 and currently have a 2011. My wife has loved them and they do have a ton of storage. We had issues with the AC on the 2007 where it would turn on and off on its own and it needed a transmission at 210k. We haven't had any issues with the ECO mode. Ours transitions super smooth and...
If taxes are your main concern, we aren't living free because there isn't income tax. Between our sales taxes, property taxes, and sometimes the highest gas prices in the nation, they get more than their fair share.
Dos nailed it, you will notice an R value difference of 1.2 at the lower total R values. I doubt anyone can tell the difference between 7.3 and 8.5 at any reasonable tent camping temperatures.
I also changed how the top of the pack cinches down because when you have small loads on a larger pack, the side compression straps are too low to help. Although you made it sound like it was your whole pack shifting, not just the top.
I get mine very snug with four connection points. The obvious two at the top for the load lifters and the two on the back of the pack that touches the suspension near the bottom. The two at the bottom have clips so after you slip it over the top of the frame, you clip and tighten from the bottom.
I have a buddy that held that job for while and from what I recall, most of his went through insurance just fine, but he is a stand-up guy so he probably wasn't reaching for straws on his roof replacement recommendations. Not sure about whether it increases rates.
I've been using the black diamond spot for 7-8 years now without any issues. Lightweight and plenty bright for me. I also have a rechargeable fenix HM65R that I love and is super bright, but haven't taken it in the backcountry.
I have four between ages 2-9 and wouldn't change a thing. One thing I would add is how much more appreciation I have for my parents after experiencing life with my kids.
Plus, I doubt you'll ever experience front-pack-fishing with a niece/nephew!