One guy went through 3 or 4 frames!? Um, hardcore alright! Many people will never see a frame break in a lifetime. Something to keep an eye on anyway. Maybe he had a carbon fork?
I've owned my Doublecross since the start of last year (bought frame online from Bulltek sports in CA) and have given it plenty of miles and mild abuse. I spend all day riding it its that comfortable, basically my car at the moment (my actual car is older than me, built 1976). The other week I completed a 150km ride that included 20km off road through forest and mud. Lots of fun, not too fast though and I nearly got lost.
The Surly Crosscheck looks great imo, and would probably be a much better choice for touring, even though both have the same length chainstay. With some weight in my pannier bags the Soma does feel a liitle softer than normal, especially when descending and hitting bumps.
Michaelnel I've seen pics of your Soma, very nice!!