Art.Chick,
I wonder about the problem you had with the ripcord weights as well. If there is a design flaw, then I'd like to know about it. Although my Ranger is fairly new, I now have about 20 dives on it. The system has worked very well for me and I like the integration (particularly since you have the option to use it or not).
This system is very similar to the ripcord systems used by parachutists, which suggests it is fairly reliable. I believe it is superior to velcro because it is less likely to snag or lose its ability to securely close as it ages or picks up debris from some of the nasty water I frequent.
I agree with the idea that adding and removing weights is a bit of a pain with the rig "on", but I use the removeable weight pockets and that solves a lot of the problem.
I still wish it had a solid backplate, especially because I miss the ability to easily doff and don the system in the water that I had with my trusty AT-PAC. But I do think it is a far superior system to the AT-PAC, which had some well known "issues" with the inflator and the hollow backplate/weight system.
On the Ranger, with the the weights mounted back on the cumberbund, it is difficult to "flip" the system overhead and swim into it while in the water. The darn weights act as a keel, tending to flip the unit upright (tank up) in the water while you are still trying to put your arms through the harness.
In water mounting is not impossible, but difficult, which takes away one of the advantages of weight integration. I also agree that it seemed to trap a bit of air on my first dives with it, requiring about 2-3lbs more weight than normal, but for some reason, I've been able to drop that weight back off the rig and haven't noticed the air trapping problem since. Go figure.
For me, when I'm diving a 7mm, the ability to carry some weight in the system and same added weight on a belt is a big convenience. The underwater trim is easy to adjust for AL80's or steel 104's and I think the whole unit is incredibly well balanced. With the weight integration, the whole system feels "linked" and I now longer have to constantly adjust my weight belt or check the buckle (as for problems: I've never had a problem with the Ranger or the AT PAC, but I've had a couple of problems with weight belts. On my last dive with my old system....I did a giant stride off the boat at night and in rough water. Because the current was strong, I had to quickly grab my Nikonos off the equpment line and swim hard to the sideline. As I descended to get below the waves, I was thrown over the sideline. Suddenly, I felt very bouyant. The sideline had snagged my buckle and released my weight belt. Fortunately, it landed right across the sideline, dragging it down with me holding on. I quickly grabbed the belt, clipped my camera to the line and "rolled" into the belt again. During most the dive I had to constantly check the belt, because, I later learned, the hinge pin to the buckle had sheared, which is why the line was able to snag it.)
I agree that weight intergrated systems aren't perfect and there are valid reasons some folks, doing particular types of diving, might be better off with another type of system. But for me, the Ranger is just what I need. I'm very happy with it.
Btw, I saw a new model Ranger at SeaSpace in Houston, but the only difference I recall is that they no longer use the cheesy military "Ranger" emblem on the rig. I caught some grief for that Ranger patch from some local Navy UDT divers in Panama City on my last trip.