Quick thoughts
-yes I get liking a quick handling bike, but it's all in personal perception. What I think is fine might be what you think is too fast or two slow, so really up to you. 11 years ago I did buy a cross bike to replace my old touring bike, and liked how it was more responsive, so I do get it.
- gearing, this double will be overgeared for touring, for me anyway.
- re changing to mechanical , you'll have to change the brifters, mucho money, so be aware and inform yourself about costs and real life availability of parts