ok, all's good. The example of my friend with the buggered knees is one though that even not too many years ago, she got a new bike that only had a 30 g.i. low, but was too bloody minded or just accepted it, and so riding with panniers on steep hills was overly hard on her.
I guess this is part of why I post detailed opinions/examples/solutions on threads like this, to help folks realize that riding loaded touring can be easier, or at least to make them aware of possible solutions, because frankly, in bike stores there generally still is the "this bike will be fine for touring" line from salespeople, either because they are young and strong, or they havent really toured and believe the manufacturers take on things.

I'll finish by saying sorry if you took things the wrong way. Its just a bike forum.