Of course not. Please read the post. I didn't say it was "the" way to go, I said it was "a" good investment. There are dozens of great options, many of which were stated in this thread. I only claim that cast-iron works well for me, and that it's a valid option.

The biggest frustration I run into on tour is people telling me I'm "doing it wrong" - I am definitely not telling anyone how they "should" tour. Coolest guy I ever ran into touring was this kid from Illinois I met in the middle of Nebraska, riding a mountain bike to California with what looked like a junior steamer trunk strapped to the rear rack, everything shoved inside without a care in the world. He was obviously doing it wrong, and having the time of his life.