I agree Brad, the NICE frame as a stand alone is a terrible design the only thing that saves it is the load lifter extensions on the 6500 and 7500.

I didn't see anywhere on this thread the mention of strictly an internal except what you posted so if I missed that than the OP should be writing off the Paradox, Stone Glacier (except for their new Hybrid pack that just released), Kifaru (except for the Timberline series, Mystery Ranch (except for the grizzly or Kodiak whatever its called), and for sure Barney's.

However I have found that these sort of internal/externals carry heavy loads better than true internal frames. But everyone is different and I certainly understand that.