Pardon me for butting in on this thread but Thisguy is asking the same question I've been asking other people and other places. I have a 7.5FX and also want to use it for "light touring" - 3-4 day trips, camping and mostly cooking my own food. Generally, what I've been hearing from those other people and places are the same things you've been saying - use what you've got, if it "fits" and you like it.
The only nagging question I still have is about the wheels on the 7.5FX - they're an unconventional spoke pattern with only 20 spokes front and 24 spokes rear ... trendy and cool-looking but maybe not so practical for touring. I am planning my first short tour this summer - expect to carry tent, sleeping bag, pad, minimal clothes, rain jacket, minimal food, small cooking kit, etc. Maybe 40 pounds of stuff in two large panniers and on the rack in the rear. Are the stock wheels going to be strong enough or should I consider an upgrade to wheels with more spokes?