Yup, been there, done dat. I have FUN riding my old beat-up R-20 and the $20 Chinese-made MTB. However, for more fun I got my tailor made arvon1 and it is a very nice touring bike that provides incrediloe enjoyment and reliability ( except for flat tires ).

With that experience I am having arvon2 built as a disassemblable mini-velo with 8 speeds and 20" wheels for sustained touring. The arvon1 is built for 2 suitcases, but the arvon2 will fit into just one. A rougher ride may result, but extra padding on the handlebar tape will/should help.

At my age, enjoyment is more important than the money. Yes, the arvon2 will cost over $2000 but it will fit me "in the same way" that my tailor made shirts fit me. I have different priorities and a different philosophy now that I am 63 years old and still chugging along as an insulin-dependent diabetic of some 47 yrs duration. My son's Brompton, my R-20 and no other folder that I have tried/seen will quite fit the bill in the way the arvon2 will. I will see how this idea works out.
As the Hashers say: "On On ..."