@scp0271 and Brains,
Thanks much; all replies are helpful! Unfortunately, I'm in Canada so Thorn's 'return it' policy doesn't come into play, practically speaking -- I'd have to buy blind, hence the questions.
I suppose what I'm looking for is something that could be built up 'light enough' to more or less work as well as what I use now, but with the added capability of more extended touring down the road.
I'm a 'one bike' sort of person; current 'all purpose' rig is a pretty light-build hardtail mtb (suspension, discs, 'commuting' weight of about 24 lbs or so) using Paselas (1.5 folding). I use it for everything, including shortish (for now) tours (frame fortunately has rack mounts); looking for something a little 'simpler' and perhaps just a little stronger. Should have bought a Thorn xtc frame when they were available -- I think that probably was even closer to what I'm looking for. Oh well!
Cheers