Hi Ted, since you asked... yes, I had the chance to play a Blackbird Rider and a CA Cargo at Michael's place (before he closed it) a few years ago. Going from memory, the Cargo was comfortable, but felt small on the fretboard, with the 22.75" scale. I remember it sounded decent. I didn't have a strap to try the Rider, and the odd shape was slippery feeling on my knee. The neck was comfortable, but I remember liking the sound of the Cargo better... but that was a few years ago.
That said, I was having Michael install a bone saddle on the Shorty I bought from you, so I was more focused on the sound of that.
You probably know what I'm going to say about a travel size CF guitar, and that being the Emerald X7 is my favorite. I know you were an Emerald dealer years ago; Emerald changed the layup on the soundboard of the X7 at some point, making the bass response more full. Have you tried the latest X7? From my perspective, it is the best combination of sound and feel in a compact size.
Nice that there are a lot of great options out there.
Best wishes,
Jim