Is it the LBS guys, or is it more the manufacturers who aren't using their brains?

My current gearing is what came standard on the bike. This model is marketed as a "comfort" roadbike, so ya'd think that they would consider their target buying population. Hard-core racing roadies are not going to want adjustable stems and extra dropbar padding, etc that just adds weight. So why not put gearing on this bike that is closer to touring range and more matched to the people you are marketing it to?

Of course this is only the second model-year for this bike and the first year was apparently limited production, so they are probably still on the learning curve with this.

Anyhooo... glad to know that I am not just being a wimp about this!