I can confidently tell you that if this bike fits you, it is WORTH being stuck in the dog house. Many of my bikes have come and gone, but my Mercians are here for the duration. If a touring Mercian in my size came along at a good price I would be on it like white on rice.

27-in wheels are NOT a sign of poor quality. Every top quality bike with clinchers sold in the English-speaking world used that wheel size for years and years and years, including Paramounts and all manner of custom bikes. Ian Hibell rode all over the world on 27s. The triumph of 700C over 27 is more about standardization, globalization and compatibility with tubulars than it is about superior performance for non-racers. Yeah, sure, there are a lot more 700C tires to choose from, but so long as Panaracer sells the Pasela, who cares? For touring and general day-riding, non-competitive use, 27 x 1 1/4 is an awesome tire size.