Good lord the echo chamber in this thread is headpounding.
I'll just say that for those who criticized the roadcc review because it mentions the appeal of lighter weight and packing less, if thats the trend then so be it. Less traditional touring bikes overall makes sense if there is less interest in traditional touring.
Traditional touring cyclists tend to be picky and hold onto their gear for years. There seems to be a defiant opposition to a lot of new tech and trends.
9sp is common(its what I use). 3x front is common(again, what i use). Canti brakes are common(me once more). Racks that could carry an elephant, tents you can stand up in, spices and devices to prepare gourmet meals, etc etc.
Of course this forum is reacting in completely predictable ways.
Pretend I cared enough to insert the Simpsons Grandpa shaking his fist at a cloud meme here.