Way back when BQM offered a nylon/plastic frame for the Alice system.
IIRC it was a Coleman frame, worked fairly well and really improved comfort and reduced overall weight.
IMO weight is what kills the MOLLE system. A complete frame, 2 bags
(cargo & sleeping bag) and suspension weighted in at 8 pounds, IMO about 4-5 pounds to heavy. Just guessing but the Alice on a Mil frame is more like 5pounds. A CFP-90 without a patrol pack is 6 pounds.
Many of the modern Civi Pak's today weight 5.5-6.5 pounds. IMO still to heavy but many people consider that a reasonable empty pak weight today.