Agree with you guys! If you very much enjoy touring (or whatever category of cycling it may be), there's nothing better than quenching the thirst of getting the bike of your dreams. I believe that it's better to satisfy this desire rather than going through a bunch of off-the-rack bikes every few years that are just plain average in every way. Then, trying to remedy all the shortcomings by dumping more money in a series of upgrades in a futile attempt to make the average bike work for you somehow, but never getting completely "there." To me the only way that one can achieve that dream is by carefully going through the process of having a frameset custom-built with the best materials one can afford, neat little features (braze-ons for this and that) and topped off with all the components and accessories of one's choice. A custom bike that's multipurpose always scores much higher (satisfaction-wise) and you'll get more use out of it. For instance, given how frame geometries overlap, a custom bike that will work well for touring, commuting and even randonneuring. If money is a constraint (it usually is!), do plan, save for as long as you need to in order to make it happen (or do it in phases.) Never do this if it entails neglecting your regular obligations or not leaving enough for other important things, like a planned tour.

I don't know how that works, but this process psychologically will satiate a part of your mind. If you were careful in envisioning your dream (touring) bicycle, most likely you won't be longing for another one, possibly for the rest of your life. It will be a unique, personalized and functional piece of equipment that was made just for you. That's difficult to match!