As I clicked through touring bike manufacturers websites and even the "Post your touring bike photo's" thread here, I notice that the overwhelming majority of touring bikes [that use rim brakes] use standard cantilevered brakes. I'm working on making a parts list for a build right now and I think I'd like to use V-brakes as I understand they are easier to set up, and no more difficult to maintain. Are there any pros/cons I'm missing about using V's instead of cantilevers?

PROS:
• Allegedly easier to set up.
• Availableness of replacement parts within the US (since most hybrid/cruisers currently use these brakes)
• [Generally] better stopping power

CONS:
• Need special levers for use with drop bars (eg. Tektro RL520)
• Need Travel Agents for use with brifters (adds complexity)
• Lacks 'classic' look that many higher end touring bikes are seeking to achieve.

Am I missing or misinformed about some other major pro's/con's of v brakes? My setup will be drop bars with bar end shifters so the brifter issue won't affect me and while admittedly I like the look of cantilevers with their symmetry and styling, it seems like for function v-brakes will work better for me.

Also, anyone have experience using Avid SD5's or SD7's on a touring bike? All the reviews I can find are from mountain bikers (who have different needs than tourers) and for both brakes there will be 5 people who love them and then one guy who says they kicked his dog, insulted his grandmother, and ran off with his girlfriend and that I should look for something else.