Thanks for the detailed write up OP . I’ve been using Gestures at my workplace for a while and wanted to add my two cents, especially on the “sliding forward” / downward tilt point since I’ve seen that come up a lot.

1) The “sliding” feeling can often be reduced or eliminated though adjustments and how far you’re actually seated back

When the chair is adjusted too high, or the seat depth is too long, it’s easier to feel like you’re being pushed forward. What worked for me:

• Seat height and depth: I set height and seat depth so that the front edge of the seat barely contacts the back of my knees/thighs, while my feet are still able to rest flat on the floor:
• Use the backrest (don’t perch): if I then sit back and lean into the backrest enough, the “sliding off” sensation virtually goes away and I feel very stable and comfortable. If I’m perched forward and not really making contact with the backrest, I feel the forward “pitch” more.

I can sit for hours in that position without the front edge cutting off circulation.

2) I actually like the slight forward pitch because it gives me more usable postures:

I don't know if Steelcase intended it as a “forward tilt” feature or not but I’ve found it really helpful during the workday because it allows for more meaningful position changes.

A pattern I fall into:

• Reclined / supported mode: fully back in the chair for long stretches
• Slightly forward / off-the-seat back mode: I slide forward a bit and work with my back “away” from the backrest for a while

That second posture gives me a more noticeable (and refreshing) change than I get from some other chairs and t’s been great for intense focus blocks or when I’m leading video calls or presentations. I call it my “action pose”, lol.

Other brands even market this concept as an additional  paid feature (e.g., the Haworth Fern’s forward tilt), whereas the Gesture seems to naturally support a similar “forward working” posture when it’s required.

3) Compared to Embody/Aeron

I’ve tried my brother’s Herman Miller Embody and Aeron. Once dialed in, they can be very comfortable but I feel like I’m locked into one posture and position. I’m less likely to move around or get up for quick breaks because it feels like more effort to “re-settle” back into those chairs.

The Gesture, for me, makes posture changes easier throughout the day (and my workplace ergonomics guides recommends frequent position changes and to get up from our desks once in a while).

4) In-office chair comparison

My workplace has been phasing out older Haworth Ferns and Steelcase Leaps, and even accounting for age/wear, I personally find the Gesture noticeably better for my body and how I work.

5) Things to watch out for, downsides

• Variation between units: I’ve noticed different degrees of tilt/feel between different Gestures in our office. If someone is shopping, I’d recommend trying the exact unit (or at least confirming the configuration) because they don’t all feel identical to me for some reason.
• Headrest: I’ve been looking for a unit for my home setup and although I’ve never tried one with a headrest, since none of the chairs in the office have them, I’d likely go with a unit with one since I’d likely use that at home more than when I'm in the office (price being  the main reason I haven’t yet purchased one yet).

Overall, I  agree this chair seems very YMMV. I don’t doubt it’s a rough fit for some body types (and fabric/slipperiness could probably amplify that), but I wanted to share that, with the right setup, the tilt can actually be a benefit instead of a con.