Which bicycle? Why?
So why did you buy the particular touring bicycle you have? I can think of a few reasons.
1) There are a few bicycles that get talked about a lot. So if a lot of other folks have one they must be good.
2) Strictly follow a budget, The top end of my budget is XX amount of money. spend that much.
3) Decided on the qualities of frame and components you want, and particularly searched for a bicycle of that quality.
4) Who cares? Good enough.
I would particularly like to hear from the people who bought a more expensive bicycle and why.