You're getting a lot of information, some conflicting, and probably confusing. It stems from the fact that you have an LBS selling you a bike from a custom builder that nobody here knows about and seems to be recommending a build-up that seems spendy and inappropriate. Since we don't know about Franklin, we don't know how good they are with touring frames and whether what you get will work. Furthermore, if the LBS is selling you the wrong parts, it's not a stretch that they are selling you the wrong frame as well.

If you have the money to go custom, you should at least talk to a few custom builders who have some touring expertise. You mentioned Beckman in your first post, that might be a good place to start. Also try Bob Brown, Mercian, and Bruce Gordon.

You certainly don't =need= to spend $3k on a capable touring bike. From what little we have from you, it doesn't seem like your LBS is up to the task of doing this for you.