I think when you have used it for a week or so, get use to it. The flaws and niggles become less amplified as unlike when we 1st get the bag. I just ended up embracing and loving the bag unconditionally. I'm going too keep this bag forever!. This bag was a real life changer for me on a personal level so to speak and serves to remind me of this. It's really made me appreciate the beauty of imperfections. Its ok that something is a bit worn out or battered or flawed. It just shows authencity, integrity and honesty we are all in some ways imperfectly perfect. I'm so much more a better person inside for not seeking absolute perfection like I did before. As I feel this learnt behaviour was having a negative impact in other areas of my life. Like i would get a bit unhappy over little things that weren't neat or tidy, shiny, or something that was a slightly a odd shape. I don't think I was loving and using my things properly for what they were, just instead adoring and admiring it's beauty and not letting it suffer or get any imperfections. My seeking perfection was just making me paranoid and neurotic and more unhappy. This bag really changed my mind set for the better. I took it on holiday, it's been extremely robust. In a crowded busy city of hong kong it's been knocked and bumped around a lot. It even got trapped on a train door for a few seconds. It survived it didn't fall apart. I just love her. Sorry for my ramble. Enjoy your bag