I made the changes and tried out version 2 today. It looks similar, except now there is no cross bar, and no straps holding it on. The steel rod hangs from the bar a few inches from the stem, down to the bottom side of the bag, and angles up to brace under the stem. Two more hooks from the top over the handlebars again a few inches from the stem. I intended to add a safety strap or clasp but no need. It's not going anywhere like that.

I'm pretty pleased with the quick connection: just drop the bottom hooks on, pull it to me and hook the top hooks, let it settle and done in a few seconds. Reverse order to take it off.



I kept the closing strap as a convenient carrying handle, but I could wrap it around the bars if I was worried about the thing coming loose.




Although, I can see here that my work isn't yet done. I need to re-jigger the top hooks so that the top edge goes under the tops of the handlebars. For aesthetic reasons, in keeping with the poll.