I'd be cautious about buying a bike you were not impressed with and trying to make it to make it work due to what people are saying on the Internet. There are many bikes out there, test ride what you can and find one you connect with.

I commute 10 miles daily with my 1990 Trek 520 (modernized with STI shifters) and a Salsa Vaya. They are both marketed as touring or light touring bikes and they are both are great rides. I wouldn't recommend a 2019 Trek 520 due to the aluminum fork though.