By the way, I've lost track of when you need this by, but for 200, you could build out a Nashbar frame, or similar, with all the cool stuff, then just ride the heck out of it for a while. You would be a total expert on your needs size wise, after that experiment, you could sell the frame, and switch the package to the custom frame you may well need in the end. The switch over is a realtively small task, if you have the tools you will probably want for your touring anyway, and a few others.

The big advantage to this approach is it totally demystifies the whole thing. At the end of the day, the bike just has to be good, not perfect. If you did this, I think you would end up saving money in the long haul.