Thanks for the quick responses! After some research, I've come to a few conclusions - -

1. I'm gonna go with some indexing bar end shifters rather than downtube or ergo.

2. I'm going with cantilever brakes. While the Paul touring brakes are just gorgeous, they're too pricey, even at cost. I'm looking at the Avid Shorty 4's, thanks to the input I've had. After working on enough sets of Avid disc brakes, I've developed an attachment to the brand.

3. After chatting it up with a coworker, I've decded on a SRAM X-7 Rear derailleur, and an X-gen front derailleur. Can anyone tell me what bar end shifters will index properly with these components?

4. The LHT stock built bike comes with Salsa Moto-Ace bars and stem, so I think I'm going to go that way. Wide and shallow, and possibly some in-line brake levers as well.

5. Any suggestions on touring tires? I'm pretty keen on 1.5 as the size.

Thanks again for the advice!