Sleeping bag pockets are a waste and they add weight. Either they are too small or too large and you just stuff other things in with them. Side pockets are a matter of personal choice. I have one old Kelty tioga with side pockets that a girl friend likes because she has all kinds of junk and they are handy for it all. My pack is just a big sack with a pocket on the top. I can put everything in there that is small or delicate. From a technical viewpoint, frame-less packs were originally intended for mountaineers who didn't want side pockets, for backpackers it just depends on whether you have so much stuff that you need them.
Jim