Thanks Maria for this input!! Totally wanted to come back to this thread and wanted to return a huge appreciation as I did my own customer journey but took your advice.
Monos is absolutely no joke! After this post 3 months ago I finally decided to purchase Monos Carry-On Plus and Check-In Medium and used it for a 15 -days trip from cold, rainy weather to hot and humid. The quality of my check in luggage was serious. I utilize check in luggage quite a lot. I have traveled around on a 5 country tour previously when my luggage wheels broke on country #2. That was a harsh experience - the old good Samsonite but just proven to be a mass cheap quality production. From that experience I knew I had to get a higher and better quality luggage set . And I did take your advice after all and I do not regret it in the slightest! one of the best decisions I’ve made! I know with this new luggage I will never be put in a similar situation like that ever again. Not only is this design WAY more high end than Away and just stunning overall, it has the quality to boot! Now I will still be a lost American roaming around with gorgeous high quality luggage.
oooh I am saving the best for the last. THE-CARRY-ON-PLUS OMG are you kidding me!!!! it is absolutely gorgeous, I almost wanted to fall asleep in its inner interior was so silky (whereas most of the fabrics used in other brands are like sand papers, including Samsonite... tumi and the Away -- Oh I did actually walk into one of Away's store in Lafayeet St New York). Customer service was really lacking, and rude; no one was there to greet me upon arrival and after walking around for about 20 minutes, still no help offered and no hello or acknowledgement of my presence. Aside of it all, aesthetically it was great that I actually went in person and looked at it)
After all , your comprehensive breakdown made me think twice before I almost bought Away online (instead went to store to check). Monos is 10x times better company, products, absolutely mind blowing customer service, and I would summarize ---- this is more closer to what a premium company should be like. I compare it to Rimowa - and Monos price is absolutely optimal for WHAT IT IS.
Now I came back and purchase full Terrazzo set for my mom and Olive Green set for my dad. The Carry-On plus version and Large Check-Ins as I know they are heading away to 4 weeks long trip haha.
There is no question, this is the best luggage I have owned and I am now choosing monos luggage for gifting - to most special people in my life. Can't think of anything else to be honest. That's all Maria. just wanted to also give you my appreciation and so that others can perhaps read this blog and be vigilante for their purchase.
Such a classy hotel, Wonder if you ever been here? And yes I've traveled down here with Monos luggage and holding up quite well. Still pristine quality after quick magic eraser wipes. This is pretty much the 5th city last 5 weeks of travel and just having a blast so far. 
