I cant find a new pack that I like………….a bit of a rant

ULA Camino 2 comes to mind:

https://www.ula-equipment.com/product/camino-2/

You want to search for “panel loader backpack”.

Kelty still make a 50L panel loader called the Redwing:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kelty-22615213BK-P-Redwing-Backpack/dp/B00DF6BRX0

HMG makes one, too. https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/collections/packs/products/daybreak-ultralight-daypack

Panel loader, Clam shell, wrap-around, etc. Different terms for the same thing.

I also find hiking packs quite annoying, rummaging around a big floppy cylinder in hopes of feeling for that item that fell to the bottom. I do usually pack pretty minimally and end up using most everything in the evening anyway, but then all my stuff is strewn about. At home I don’t mind a bit of a mess, but I get very particular about keeping my shit in order while camping and I end up spending a lot of time moving items around.

Perhaps a pack with many pockets would help. I love my Jansport Right Pack (your basic school-style backpack) so much I even hiked Corcovado with it, but it’s a tad small to carry a tent and quilt and lots of food.

On a side note, why is it so hard to make cheap, strong, light “backpacking” backpacks?

Compare my cheapo Jansport to that HMG fancy-pack.
Same weight.
Jansport is 4x cheaper
Jansport is probably 4x more durable.
Jansport has 82% more internal volume.
Jansport opens wide and has a lot of organizing pockets.

I just got a multi pack and a shoulder pouch, so maybe I’ll start using the jansport more for backpacking.

Above someone referenced the SMD panel pack.

Marmot also makes a panel pack, the Graviton 34 liters at about 2 lbs.
I do not own one but considering a purchase to haul camera gear plus backpacking gear.

What happens when the zipper fails? At least with a top-loading pack there’s no zipper to fail on you.

https://seekoutside.com/exposure-5000-panel-loading-backpack/

https://www.kuiu.com/hunting-multi-day-pack/ultra-4000-bag/60021.html?cgid=pack-multiday&dwvar_60021_color=ViasCamo

https://zpacks.com/products/arc-zip-backpack

For me finding a new pack was the easiest piece of gear to upgrade, after purchasing and returning  a few, and trying on every pack REI sells, fully loaded.  But my old pack, a panel loader, weighed 7 pounds, so no love lost there! I did like the pockets and compartments, but I’ve trimmed down my gear list so much – thanks to you all! – that I can easily find everything in my new, one compartment packs. I did add hip belt pockets to my Granite Gear Crown, so that phone, map, snacks are at hand. My new Granite Gear Blaze is pretty much perfect as far as organization goes. I did go back to a bit heavier pack with the Blaze, but it fits the Bearikade nicely and carries better up to 30 pounds. My rule now is not carrying over 30; arthritic joints don’t appreciate heavier loads!

On your points, and my comments are for both of my packs:

Yes, I do unpack everything every night, because I use everything I bring, every night or day. I have gotten used to the packing and unpacking, and it goes quickly now. I love the lack of zippers, and both packs are very waterproof and don’t soak in water on the fabric.

Packed correctly, my pack does not fall over when set on its bottom. And if the load is packed well, and I use the side cinch straps to tighten it down, there is no pendulum effect while wearing it.

Would just having less stuff alleviate the need for multiple compartments for you? It’s a different way of doing things, but it might work if you make some other changes too.