GEL-Nimbus 26

My rotation is mainly asics... Daily trainer - Gel kayano 32, Max cushion - Gel nimbus 26s, Tempo/speed - Saucony endorphin speed 4s, but I've heard good things about the Asics magic speeds, and superblasts can handle reasonable speeds well too, Race - metaspeed edge, look into metaspeed sky too depending on how you run

I was a fan of Nimbus, but my 25s have some downsides. In 26 Asics did not fix them all, and at the same time ruined amazing midsole. Nimbus26 is firmer than 25. It is even firmer than Novablast 4, which in store appeared as more comfy than Nimbus. I am yet to try Novablast 5,which is said to be softer than previous editions and Nimbus27, which is supposed to go back to soft midsole while having more breathable upper. Breathability is one of the issues with Nimbus 25 and other max comfort shoes. They are usually well padded and quite heavy. That makes feet hot as hell. Vomero has the same problem. Glycerin max or NB 1080 are supposed to be more airy

Before I read the whole OP I was going to suggest Nimbus. They are quite durable and nothing beats their comfort (so far). Do you use them for walking as well or are they just for the running? Because if they were your daily shoes, the simple answer would be to have two pairs of them for a day to day rotation. Or something lighter and bouncier like Endorphin Speed when you want to go for more fun and fast run. Then back to Nimbus when you just want the comfort. I have found NB 1080v14 to be quite comfy and maybe even softer than Nimbus. Then there are Cliftons which you mention. And I am waiting to try Vomero Plus, because they are supposed to be more breathable and softer than Vomero 18.

Novablast 5. They were perfect for me for long runs. Fun, energetic, protective, with a massive stack of foam. I used Nimbus 26 (not 27) also, but they were firm & stiff. Very protective though, just not fun & exciting like the NB5.

Recently bought a Saucony Triumph 22. It's soft, cushioned and still have some spring on it as it has the improved PWRRUN PB foam so you might be familiar with it considering you have the Ride 17. Apart from that you also have the Saucony Hurricane 24 if you want some stability. Reviews lean more positively on the Hurricane but do try it in a store first as the Hurricane is heavier and can be clunky. Both are also on sale too at runnr's and Toby's for the same price. You can also try an Asics Gel Nimbus 26 if it's on sale. It's heavier than the Triumph though in exchange for a bit more and cushion. All shoes should fit nicely with your current pace, just a matter of foot mechanics as the Triumph and Nimbus suits heel strikers better and the Hurricane for midfoot strikers.

My easy pace is around 7:30min/km and I love my Gel Nimbus 26 for long runs so you might want to try those, or the Gel Nimbus 27. The former is softer/squishier while the latter is firmer. Try both if you want an alternative to the Bondi 9 but do note they're also slow cruisers so if you want something with a little more bounce too for your interval runs, you can also check the GlideRide Max.

I immediately bought a Nimbus 26 which was on sale when the Novablast 5 felt too fast for me when I was starting out. Excellent shoe for slow easy runs and building up your distance. My legs never felt beat up after each run on it. It gets a lot of flak for being heavy and clunky which it is but only when you're dipping down to 5:00/km territory, at least for me when I try do some short bursts of speeds on it. Otherwise for my usecase it's perfect.

I’m a big fan of Nimbus (I currently have the 26 though) and just retired my Glycerin 22 today for a pair of ASICS Megablast. I will say personally I was not a fan of the Glycerin. I’ve been running with Ghosts (my go to for faster 3-5 mile runs) for years and was told Glycerine was like the perfect hybrid of the Ghost Max and Nimbus (which has been my go to for more relaxed long distance runs). After running in the Glycerins my toes and knees always felt beat up. Idk if it’s the toe box but my left foot, middle toe kept chaffing to the point of blisters the last couple of weeks which I’ve never experienced before. All of that said, my personal preference is still Ghost for shorter runners and Nimbus for long runs. Nimbus is less responsive but super comfy for high mileage days.