It strikes me as "different" that you view the T2000 as being the best bike for a larger rider, because generally thick tubed steel is considered the standard for touring reliability and durability. I definitely think you would have no problems with the T2000 though. it would work well for the purposes you describe. It's a reliable bike, but I'm not sure how comfortable it is. I ride an aluminum bike everyday to work and back, and I have also owned a steel road bike. When I test rode a T2000 (unloaded, so my opinion is worth very little) I thought that, even for aluminum, the ride was unforgiving. I wouldn't want to take that thing across the country without some really fat tires.

Have you considered the bikes commonly discussed here? What didn't you like about the surly LHT complete?