Surly bikes are for riders, not polishers. In fact, they often go uncleaned after a ride.
I like that distinction. I'm definitely more of a rider than a polisher -- that's why I use Chain-L on the CrossCheck I commute with! But it's maybe not just the rider; if I had a beautiful all-campy italian lugged bike from the 60's, I'd clean it after every ride too.
As for cramming tire, right now I'm running 32 front and 37 rear, Tektro CR720 canti's (no fenders) and there's still plenty of room.