The other problem with brifters is how they can limit your gearing choices. Shimano brifters cannot be used with MTB-type front derailleurs since the required cable pull is different. This means you are limited to road-type front derailleurs. These don't shift well over smaller chainrings with an indexed shifter. They will work OK with a friction shifter. Loaded tourers will generally use smaller chainrings, hence the problem.
On the Campy side of the equation, their front brifter is fine, but the rear brifter needs to be used with a Campy derailleur and cassette. This limits how low you can go on the rear.
In both cases, there are workarounds that will allow you to use the brifters with gearing suitable for loaded touring. The simplest solution, however, has been to use Shimano bar-end shifters which will permit the use of nearly any front derailleur along with wide-range Shimano rear derailleurs and cassettes.