I travel pretty frequently as an aircrew member in the Air Force and this bag is awesome.  Since we are responsible for loading and securing our own luggage the conveniently-placed front straps make my bag the envy of other crewmembers - it is easily carried up and down airstairs and crew entrance ladders and tied to the cargo floor.  It has proven durable so far, with ~1 year of use including a few international trips and travel all over the US.  The compartmentalized inside is great for organizing shower shoes, A/V cables and other items I typically leave packed in my luggage between trips and it is great to have the option of protecting the extending handle inside a zippered top section on the bag.

I have never needed the cooler so while I don't see the value in it I don't think it takes away from interior space.  My only complaint would be the side straps; I don't think they serve their designed purpose and they tend to only be good for catching on things.  The straps don't seem to have enough friction to hold their setting and often loosen up completely.  This is nothing but a very minor annoyance, however, and does not detract from the overall quality of the suitcase.  I have one in 25" and 28" and they've both served me well.