The rack which broke was the "regular" rack BF sells, not their pricey folding rack. The weld broke where the 2 right stays come together. I can buy a normal rack and attach the long custom parts from my broken rack. The rack was 6+ years old, like the bike. Not sure why or even precisely when it broke, even though I use it every day. I use the bike for running errands all the time, and generally only carry groceries on one side--the side where the weld broke apart. I had thrown it in my car a few times lately, too.

As for touring in poorer countries, I think that a BF with its small wheels doesn't look as fancy as most road bikes and mountain bikes, even though a BF can easily cost more. I don't think a BF attracts more attention in poorer countries, though it seems to in wealthier countries. Most people have no idea that it folds, esp. in poorer countries.