Update: The Psvane tube I bought looks like it has some kind of shielding internally: It's smoky on the sides and silvery at the top. In any case, with this tube it's entirely noiseless now.
Feel free to donate any time. I will count them all towards the raffle. After I posted, I thought I might open it up to another website (thedivewatchconnection.com) which is a small website, a lot like HC but watch oriented.
I ended up going with the Empire Builder, it arrived today. I'm pretty impressed. These are nice bags.
The bag was a little heavier than I expected when empty. The size looks about perfect for my overpacking on trips, and in fact is a bit smaller than I expected so I can see it getting some daily use to the office as well.
Messenger slinging seems like it will be fine for general commuting/traveling.
Thanks for the advice.