Well it'll take some of the pain of paying £100 for a frontbag (if I get the cheapo ones).
Question for people. Should the block that the bags connect to have come as standard with my bike?
You don't need to spend £100 necessarily for a Frontbag. Other options are available .....
Firstly you can buy separately the metal bag frame that attaches to the block to hold the larger bags. This is about £20 for an S-type and the taller C/T-type.
http://brilliantbikes.co.uk/34-luggage-spares
You can then attach a standard Carradice style saddle-bags or similar just fine with straps or large Tie-wraps. It sits there happy as Larry and as the metal frame already has a handle works on and off the bike.
Below is a Carradice Longflap Camper bag on an S-bag frame (under the tent!).
This is how I eventually went for a weekend cycle-touring with tent, cooking kit etc .... 65 miles each way!
The rear Karrimor Saddlebag also fits the front frame without issue.
A basic Single pannier can also be attached to the frame with a little inginuity and the aforementioned Tie-wraps.
@User and I have both succesfully use one of these on Brompton front frames, cheap as chips! For around £35 you could be sorted with a basic front bag. This fits better on the larger C/T-frame than my S.
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/BACOTRV/cordo-transvaal-single-bag
I use these bags for general travel, commuting, shopping etc and swap according to need.
Food for thought .....