<i>> "spinners are treated more gently by baggage handlers"</i>
That claim didn't resonate with me either. What do they care whether it's got two or four wheels? Seems like four are twice as likely to break.

<i>> emerged from the baggage compartment with only the handle in her fist</i>
A comical image, in a way, but what a nightmare.

"A comical image..."

Sometimes, if you don't laugh, there's only 1 other option.

"spinners are treated more gently by baggage handlers"

I don't believe that for a millisecond! :-)

Some damn baggage person threw my Eagle Creek in such a way that the pull up handle crushed inside its tracks. I loved that bag.

I don't think that abandoning a brand (such as the OP's Rick Steves) is the answer.

I do find the Rick Steves 20" roomy enough, but that's me.

There isn't a bag made that the bag smashers can't break. A pilot told DH that name for the handlers.

This is what I bought:

http://shop.eaglecreek.com/ec-advent...ight-22/d/1203

It arrived today, looks to be a shade smaller and a shade lighter than the bag it's replacing. Will be keeping it.

Look at the extensive Longchamps tote & luggage collection; the nylon is very very long lasting; the leather collection is gorgeous but more expensive naturally. Their wheeled duffel is narrow and laid out nicely for access in overhead. Note my caveat not to get an underseat tote, many of which are out there at about 15" wide. 15" is the underseat width of perhaps the window seat, but definitely not the middle or aisle; I have measured these on recent flights via 737-800 and -900 planes. I have had great luck with my Lucas 21" spinner, they have a new smaller rolling tote but would plan to store that above if I'm checking the 21".

As I posted, I have already bought the Eagle Creek, which I will check. My carry on WILL fit under the seat in front of me (beside my feet in the curve of the fuselage after take off). That way I do not have to fight for overhead space, and everything is handy during flight.

I am waiting to see how spinners hold up if checked. Those little wheels don't look at all sturdy to me.