Avis BB7s are better brakes than even the best rim/pad/cantilever combo IME. But I alos know that coming from always using rim brakes, it took me a littl ebit to figure out how best to set hem up, which was likely the problem.

I'd check out the Raleigh Sojourn. A bit lower specs than the Portland, but it has BB5s AND a steel frame. If I were on the market for a touring bike right now, that would be near the top of my list.