My perception of cycling is not that it is merely a peasant activity for people who are saving for their first car, but a sport in and of itself, for which the best equipment at any cost is an entirely reasonable proposition.

Touring is also for me about riding a bike, it is not the tour, and not the bike. A bike I have made or developed that I really like is a positive part of any tour for me.

I also have some problems, post heart attack, and post plane crash where creating gear that allows me to keep touring is a benefit to my health and enjoyment. In general most of my stuff is not all that expensive, it is more custom than expensive, but some of it is expensive. There is a difference, but most people are locked in the idea that whatever is generally available is perfect, and therefore they will never get to cheap ways of getting better gear, because their mindset precludes the possibility that it exists.

Touring would be more popular (not an objective I particular want) if it cost more. That is just a fact. People are not drawn, except a very few of us, to a lifestyle of scofflaw hobo. On the other hand, I don't think credit card touring is the answer because it doesn't do what loaded touring does, open up remote places, and give you huge freedom in how you explore them.

As usual a lot of people are jumping on the guy with no experience, who for the most part sound like people who have no experience of riding upper end touring bikes. And you say you are adding what to this conversation?