The Sam is either Taiwan or US, depending on size. Cost is a bit lower for the Taiwan frames, different color too. The frames are extra fancy (compared to regular bikes), and you pay a lot more for those extra details and geometry tweaks that regular bikes lack. Definitely with a more comfy touring oriented geometry, but not as super-stout as a frame for dedicated, heavily loaded touring. I don't own one, but test rode it at RBW HQ--ended up with an A. Homer Hilsen (flatter top tube, more details, even fancier paint, even more crazy price).

I can tell you it's not worth it if all you want is utility. It is worth it if you have particular aesthetic preferences, and the small other differences mean a lot to you.

I don't like down-tube shifters; it's awkward to reach down so far on a more upright bike. You can get the bar-ends mounted on thumb shifters for a cleaner look, or if you don't mind the extra cost and lack of lower gearing, you can use a brifter setup.