Thanks for the explanation. I knew it was company policy, and they had sound reasons for it.
The model frame we are looking is the Club Tour. We aren't expecting to do much in the way of heavy duty off-road touring, and we expect them to be fairly versatile for everyday use as well as touring.
I agree that V brakes work fine. So do ordinary cantis as fitted to my Fuji Touring. What is important is keeping up the adjustment on any brakes as the pads wear.