You got screwed.
I mentioned my displeasure to ebonite and they told me that the Equinox is a better built bag and they haven't had any warranty issues with them, yet. The bag has only been selling for 7 months. It may be a better built bag, but the side pockets are almost useless being that the bottoms are sewn flush with the bag. They have very little volume. The top compartments are very shallow as well. If you have a lot of accessories, don't buy the Equinox.
Found another Grand Tour III online for $109. Just going to sell the equinox on Ebay. I should come out pretty close to break even.