I've also got a Serratus Genie. In fact, I've got two! (a small, and a large. The small fits me better so if anyone wants a 'size long, blue' make me an offer).
I've used it in the Rockies, the Presidentials, and a 5 day trip in the ADKs. House and Josephson used it on King Peak. I've got a video of one on the summit of Everest! It is a great pack with a lot of credibility.
I've looked at the new MEC Alpinelite 30 on the MEC site and I don't think it compares. The reason I decided on the Genie was because of its uncluttered, compressible simplicity...no extra straps, crampon patches, or extra weight.
But hold on! The Alpenlite 30 weighs the same 400g as the Genie!!! How is that possible??? The fabric is a similar denier, and the pack is a similar size but has a back pad, and extra junk on it.
They're getting very scarce. I just bought the small one last month after the MEC rep scoured the computer inventory for it!
cheers,
Urban Sherpa
