I'm posting this primarily because I'm interested in any similar modifications others have made that were successful.

I'm sure there will be those who question the rig and setup I use, but it's worked for me. Well, almost. I'm using a Trek Lane cross bike as a commuter (got it new for the ridiculous price of $450). I’ve Ortlieb Front Roller Classics on a Tubus rack in the rear and a TopPeak Tourguide Dx on the handlebars. The front gets a bit squirrely when there anything in the front bag. Two days ago I found the front fork from my Cannondale 800T in the bike shed. That frame was trashed in an accident four years ago. It’s got more front rake than the Trek Lane. So, I swapped them out, and what a difference. It’s added 34 cm to the wheelbase and now the front end is very stable.

So, are there any similar modifications by others?