Here's the doc I was talking about regarding mixing Ultegra brifters with XTR derailleurs: Tech FAQ: Mixing Shimano road, MTB Di2 derailleurs | VeloNews.com

So my understanding is that I could take an XTR Di2 drivetrain (required because the XT Di2 only does 1x11 or 2x11) and pair it with Ultegra Di2 shifters, then I could have a triple chainring, brifters, and electronic shifting. Worth the cost? Performance-wise, I'm sure it's not, but if it's the only combination that gives me those three things I would consider it. To me, spending $1500 for perfect shifting makes more sense than spending another $1500 on a "nicer" frame, when I'm not really sure what I'd even be getting for that money with this kind of bike.

Maybe I should just buy a stock Disc Trucker for now and feel more justified in blowing a lot of money on a drivetrain upgrade after a couple more years of technological advance and price drops, but I'm not sure I could last that long with bar end shifters. I was sort of expecting you guys to tell me that I should give them more of a chance, so now I am feeling very negative about them.

Thanks for all the discussion. I definitely plan to ride around on some more stock touring bikes, although I have yet to find a disc trucker in stock in my size. I have ridden a stock Pacer and a custom Crosscheck (belonging to friends) a fair bit, and I am impressed by both, so my limited Surly experience has been good. Of course, those were both built with road components. I'll also check out the other frames you guys have suggested here and find shops that carry all of these brands.