Max, I really like it. You write well, and of the 10 things you list -- I can relate to all of them. Anyone who has done cycle-touring for a while likely will.

I came across an article the other day that discussed the concept of "being average and succeeding". It struck a chord simply because when I started bicycle touring, there was no perfection in what I had. I just went and did it with what I had plus a few cheap additions.

I can't say that what I have now is perfect, but I don't get all tied up in knots about it and I am comfortable using it.

Maybe that good old Australian saying "She'll be right, mate" has more merit that even I give it credit for.