I understand what you're saying about all the changes, so why not just build up a LHT with the spec I want, but I *really* don't want 26" wheels.
I had considdered the Crosscheck, but add in the braze-ons seems even more trouble than the changes to the Aurora I want to make.
Maybe in the end I'll wish I listened, but I really want a bike that is a compromise somewhere between a full tourer and a road bike. The Aurora is the best I've seen so far.