Does the new/current Axiom still have the (HDPE) frame sheet in the laptop compartment?

So finally got an older Axiom 24 (Gen 1) and for certain uses it is great and for other uses it is kinda uncomfortable. Basically whenever I have a laptop in the laptop compartment, and I bend forward while wearing the backpack, because of the stiffness of the frame sheet, the backpack feels like a "board" and all the pressure of the pack hits at a single point on my back (imagine a 2x4 resting on a basketball, there is only one point of contact between the 2x4 and the ball because the 2x4 doesn't bend).

When I don't have a laptop in the bag, it feels fine (when bending forward). I also notice that the frame sheet is not removable without irrevocably damaging the pack internals.

Have others noticed this? Do you just deal with it? What was your workaround? If I can't figure out what to do about this, I am either going to sell it, or relegate it to use when I don't need a laptop (day hikes etc), but this is a pretty expensive pack (even purchased used) to relegate it to 10-20% usage.

TIA for any help suggestions.