There are several effective pannier mounting systens: Ortleib, Rixen&Kaul, Vaude and others.
Some are quicker to release than others, which is a consideration for commuters rather than tourists.
Generally they are all better than hook and elastic.
The bad mounting systems have hooks which, if the mechanism snaps, cease to act as hooks. This is a Bad Thing since you pannier will pivot down into the wheel.
The anti-sway devices at the bottom should have a good length of hook to get a grip of the lower rack leg.
As stated, with a good stiffening on the back and base, the dogleg strut is not required.