It's the 'Ing' thing, touring , commuting is as much activity as a thing..

Personal choices are up to the individual... want 700c wheels ,
wider 32+ tires ad wheels, on a Cross bike ,
Road race bike for a fast commute pace Go for it.

I'm using my 406-47 tire 20" wheel Bike Friday Pocket Llama for my daily ride,
disc brakes , hub dynamo lights , rear IGH drivetrain, and front pannier racks .

If the Bikes Direct purchase is over your head mechanically when you try to put it together
and adjust everything , paying the LBS a few Bucks, will cure that .
just cannot do a test-ride on those before paying for it.