The NXT has really grown on me over time. The truss is awkward and feels cheaper, I think because of the inexplicably thinner steel in the chassis. It isn't worth the extra thickness for a short saw and second blade.
I'd actually argue though that the NXT is the best value-for-money MT on the market. Outside opening, all locking, decent ergonomics, thick stock for the driver's, good scissors, good tool selection. It's wonderful. Good job Gerber.
It's a cheap tool, but I don't think it feels cheap. Yeah, no one will mistake this for a Swisstool, but it feels high quality to me.
Leatherman Free is like 5x the price. Definitely not 5x the functionality.