For what it is worth I have run the gamut from pretty heavy to ultra light and can see some merits to most approaches except the just throw everything in willy nilly one.

I think what is carried should be well thought out whether a heavy or light approach is taken. Every thing should have a good reason to be there and each item ought to get some thought whether it is the best choice.

When backpacking in the Sierras I was repeatedly asked, "What do you have in that little tiny backpack". The answer was always, "Probably all the same things you have in that great big one, just lighter more compact versions". Then if they pressed further and we compared notes there was usually nothing they had that I didn't have something that adequately accomplished the same function. Touring is pretty much the same except when you get to things like chairs.

I could maybe see myself going on a heavier tour again depending on the route, mileage goals, other activities, and so on. I'll probably never go much over 20# base again though unless the purpose of the tour was to support some other activity that required extra gear.