It's a trade-off. Maybe 29er wheels would be more comfy in-city than 26's, but for all the stoplights, stop-signs, and traffic I actually have to stop for, I feel like I'd spend all my time spooling them up only to have to decelerate again. I recently switched from Continental Gatorskins in 1 & 1/8th for a nominally* 1.5" Panaracer T-Serv up front. I don't know if it is the PSI difference (120 vs 70) or the width, or the clearly supple rubber content of the Panaracers, but they are quite cushy in comparison. I'm now happy with this for a front tire. I was worried the lower pressure tire would bog down some under load, but even with two heavy Ortliebs on the front rack full of a weeks worth of work clothes and lunches, it still rides nice.

I agree about touring wheels. I don't expect anyone to ever make an old-skool geometry MTB in 29 inch to tempt me! I'm quite happy with my long chainstay '88 Timberline.

* I say nominally because these run small. I bought the 1.75's knowing this and although I haven't measured them, eyeballing them puts them at either 1.5 or 1.6, which is right about where I wanted them.