My handles are like that too. I wore it for 26 days straight with lots of stuff in the bag and they are still fine. Cobbler thought the leather was strong enough.I wore the MAB today and it was very comfortable! Only had a couple things in it though, my phone (got a new iPhone 11 which is heavier than the iPhone 7, which now feels like a feather in comparison) and wallet. So it had weight but wasn't too bad. The handles have stretched a little bit beyond their round padding but they seem OK, not ripped or anything. Hope they can handle weight!
In my recent bag spree I found them on ebay and all were good. Glad you had good luck there too!! I also just found a full-sized nikki so am waiting on that...a cool brown.
So you're getting a Nikki? Can't wait to hear how you like it!