I did the opposite: I had other folders before the Brompton (Oyama, Tern, Birdy). Obviously, there are better touring bikes than the Brompton with 20" wheels and a more rigid frame, but the reason I tour with a Brompton is that 1) it's good enough to ride 80-120km/day without being an athlete, 2) gear range is enough by adding a double-chainring to the six-speed B*, and 3) sticking a bag in the front on the frame and a second bag on the rear rack.

The B is so compact that I know I will never get stuck. I remember a few occasions where another folder would have been a serious block during trips (eg. having to hitchhike for lack of alternatives.)

It's a compromise: More rigid frame vs. more compact fold.

However, there's a folder that you might want to look at that looks a lot like the B but supposedly rides a bit better and is a bit cheaper: Ori/Mezzo (M10).

* although this means using three shifters; In practice, it's no big a deal