I always hate it when someone posts on a forum, a lot of people respond and the OP never returns. So, to put a wrap on this:

I looked closely at the Axiom Appalachian panniers and found that I didn't like the saddlebag design. The fabric "bridge" between the two bags that lays over the rack completely blocks the rack from any other use. Other saddlebag systems have slots or other openings that allow trunk bags, etc. to still be attached to the rack. Not these.

The next options were the Axiom Seymour LX or the Avenir Expedition Small. I went with the Avenirs and really like the way they look, fit and work. The Axiom may have been made with slightly heavier material but both manufacturers claim it's the same weight nylon and I never found both brands in one place to compare them. To be honest, if the Avenirs didn't have such a positive following, I might have tried the Seymours and may have liked them as much.

I'm a little confused by Torrilin's comment about the small size of the Seymour pockets. I could get my hand in all the way to the bottom.

Thanks to everyone for your input and guidance away from so many outside pockets. That was probably a non-necessity and I'm happy with where I landed.