To address the original topic - I fall into the camp where I find the front bags help the feel of the bike. Some bicycle designs, like the Nomad, I find to be only a bit worse with no front bags ... others I'd not even ride loaded, Fuji touring, unless the weight is on all four wheels. Never yet have I found front panniers to decrease the quality, as far as I judge a good ride. If I ever go real light, in fact, only the front bag or bags come along. But then I really value a nice solid stable steering quality. I don't want to pay a lot of attention, just rather to enjoy the day and so I want a truck like handling. You can keep the zippy sports car feel.
