I just wish Shimano would take notice. Because of the trends in road and MTB components, we've often got to live with suboptimal comprimises. I'd like to see some touring oriented components like these:
1) LX/XT level front derailleurs that clamp on a 28.6 seatpost without fugly shims that get in the way of bottle cage mounts. They should also be able to smoothly shift a ten tooth difference between middle and outer chainrings without grinding or filing or replacing with a road component. They should also be normal in every way, no rapid rise, top pull, BB mount or other tech weenie BS. Make them polished alloy while they're at it.
2) LX/XT RD Same as FD as far as action and finish.
3) Off the shelf Cassettes with 12 or 13 tooth small cogs and 34T big cogs in both eight and nine speed.
4) 110 BCD cranks that come with 24-36-46 chainrings.
5) Oh yeah, thanks for the new XT cantis though. Much appreciated.
5) Heck maybe even LX/XT barcons that index the FD for the clickaholics.
6) Bring back the SH-T092 shoes! Why, oh why were they discontinued??
7) V-brake road levers that are cheaper than the Dia-compe 287V.