I'm not a big fan of lumbar pads either and I also am one of those with no curve in my lower back, lots of curve in my upper back and no butt.
A am a big fan of the Granite Gear Chief Patrol pack as the lumbar pad is easily removed and both the hip belt and shoulder straps have removable padding. So those that like it have it and those like me that don't can remove it. I also think with my odd back, the GG frame sheet works better for heavy loads than stays, but my max load out is 125-130.
