Mo , you mentioned technique...and I thought about this the other day...

While I play the Crab Trap (a small stage), and a big crowd to work your way to the stage....I use the Prelude and a BA330 (Roland stuff)...because they are light and a small footprint..

What I noticed....I use more effort (because of the size/weight)...carrying in the gear by hand from the van to the stage....In other venues where I use the G70 and Roland Cubes...I use the "smart" way...the Rock N Roller....So maybe technique does matter...