FWIW, I like the Avatone's. I bought mine new after having used the AT's, Joe Meeks and a variety of other shocks. While I do agree that they are heavy to me their durability, construction and ability to reduce vibration are just wonderful. I have run them with all the bands as well as just four bands and haven't had any of them come off unless I did something to pop them off. I can't imagine that they'd pop off on their own. Additionally I take my time with them while loading a mic into them.
For me weight is not an issue because i'm running them with full bodied mics anyways which make mounting/clamping options slimmer. My Superclamp and Shure Vert Bar are heavier anyways. As far as durability well shit if you can break these suckers then you are a crazier taper than me. Comparing them to the AT's is a no brainer. One word, low-pro. While I loved my AT's the Avatones certainly take up less space visually.
Alot of what we do is compromise. Some like expensive cables, some like discount cables. Some use a $5 fishing tackle bag while some use a Sonicase or PortaBrace. Some prefer the Joe Meeks mounts and some like the Avatones. You need to find your own compromise.. For me the Avatone's are the last full bodied mic shock mounts i'll buy and I like that. I know several who have the Joe Meeks (of which I still have as well) and they're rational is that they're only $7 so if one breaks I'll replace it. For the $50 I paid I never have to worry about any of that anymore.
So count me in as one vote FOR the Avatone's