I need to get back on the search for boots also, I did not like my Meindl Denali's like I hoped I would, the shank is way too stiff for me.
The Vasque Breeze 2.0 have been horrible, the toe box is too narrow. I am literally ready to set fire to these things, I hate them that much. I haven't worn a boot this bad since Danner's went to pot.
Going to try the Hanwag Cheyenne GTX next.
Does anyone know if any of the other Hanwag boots are bendy? I think I saw Lowa has some boots with a tapered shank, I will have to look into those if I don't find any Hanwag's that I like.
The bad deal is you can't really test a pair of boots without taking them up into the mountains, flat ground just doesn't tell the whole story. But once you do that, you can't send them back.
Other upgrades will be a Mega tarp, the new Enigma quilt from Enlightened Equipment, also a Vortex scope and binos.
I think that list will keep me busy this year.