Several people are making serious assumptions about Trek's marketing dept and their engineering dept. And leveling attacks based completely on opinion with zero facts to back them up. Enough already. I've checked out every one of your concerns that you have raised. Looked at all the bicycles you suggested, I rode an LHT. I have gotten as many facts that I could collect. I'm satisfied with it as a good bicycle. I don't want a bicycle that weighs 1/2 as much as it should. Where are their engineers that should be testing their stuff? I called Trek to state your concerns about the 28* wheels. Lower spoke wheels have been getting stronger over the years. Deeper rims, double walled might be part of it, shorter stronger spokes my be part as well, or so I'm told. I asked Trek for a response to your concerns. Customer service promised an appropriate person would get back to me, ASAP.
Enough already!! Drop it!!
The fight is over.

P.S. I asked for a brifter version, and also asked for a carbon version. I wonder if they will do either.