I have to say that I love my touring bike (Surly LHT) much more than my WSD flat-bar road bike - and they both have flat bars. I dislike road bars, but then again I am an odd person.

It is a great multi-purpose bike and doesn't have to be limited to loaded touring. It may not be the fastest bike in the pack, and I do take it on group rides, but it isn't the slowest and is a joy to ride. This is my long-distance bike.

Not that I am biased or anything