Welcome to the wonderfull world of having an opinion on something Grant Peterson says in an article. You should read his stuff on touring in crocs.

My spd shoes are about five years old and have four or five thousand miles on them. They are the cheapish laceup shimanos. the pressure bearing area seems fine. I have toured in them, and done aggresive mountain biking with them, and more than a few centurys. For what its worth, I usualy ride and tour with toeclips. In the summer its sandals with toeclips for touring. Less than ten percent of my riding is done with clipless, maybe thats why my shoes have lasted so long.

yeah the response is mixed. Are you suprised? everyone here who can answer came to thier answers by different experiences, physiologys, and temperment.

Listening to a Nashbar rep telling you what to use on a long tour? Your better off going to a brick and mortor shop and talking to the resident carbon wonderbike weight weenie triatholon enthusiast. In my opinion someone telling you that touring in a three bolt pedal has probably never toured. Just to much hassle to stretch your legs or walk into a gas station to refill bottles, ect either taking your shoes off or clomping around on your heels. I can see it if you were doing a full on supported catered ride.