I'v e not toured before, though have been cycling for about twenty five years.
LX should be fine for what you want.
I'd always go for a steel frame. I know you said you like the ride with suspension, but I'd maybe try fitting a rigid fork, just to try. The weight saving may actually be negligible, but I prsonally prefer the feel of a rigid fork. You feel the road as it should be.
Anyway, where are you planning on going? I;m hitting the black forrest in late april.