Okay, you certainly have a right to your opinions and preferences, and it would be disrespectful of me to advise you to change them. However, would it be wrong for me to advise you to consider changing them? I've had some long-held preferences and prejudices for cycling gear, but have tried some of them out just to see: Brooks saddles, the LHT, Bob trailers, clipless pedals, etc. Sometimes I've confirmed my opinions; other times I've done a 180 degree shift.

If it was me I'd go with the LHT and 26" wheels. It's a great frame, 26" wheels are inherently stronger (I've had a tour ruined by breaking spokes and it's something to be arduously avoided), and with the right tires I don't think it would affect the ride all that much.

If I confirmed my opinion that 700's were better I'd sell the LHT and buy something else.

That's what I'd do. (My wife complains that I spend too much money on bicycling stuff, but it's valuable personal research. You have to try stuff or you'll never know, right?) But far be it from me to suggest that my opinions are more worthy than someone else's.