I'm a Baron fan, with little other experience.

It's important to get a seat that fits! A proper seat fit stands the head up without other support. The foam cushion does compress over time, but has never caused angst. I have done 15000 km in a couple of years. I'm a big heavy bloke but have managed to successfully complete Audax rides out to 1200 on the Baron, and comfort is its strength. 

I bought mine with U bars fitted and never regretted that choice. I have recently fitted the Optima hinging stem and Optima hamster bars cut back to 38cm. I'm very happy with the new arrangement as well, but would not have done it to start. In my opinion the Baron is a great tourer, and I would be looking to fit a luggage carrying tailfairing for that purpose. The head up position, outward view, easy speed and comfort are winners to me. Tailfairings out to 90 litres are possible from joints like www.novosport.de - though I've not tried them - yet. Added performance and secure load carrying, has to be good.

Being heavy, descents are my forte. I've routinely exceeded 80kph and over 90 on enough occasions. Stability at these speeds is no issue, your faith in the durability of your tyres might be. My Baron is the 2006 alloy frame with reinforcing webs. CF seat worth the investment. Front disk brake for me most important. Current Baron Attack alloy frame in 7005 is lighter, and standard spec seems to include hinged stem tiller.

I'm 189cm and 108kg. your requirements and comfort may differ, but I think it's a great bike, and also has no quoted load limit. The Fujin return idler, beautiful item, but protrudes into my leg space. Fujin felt pretty good otherwise, but slighty shorter wheelbase would cramp my bigger seat. Also, it has only recently extended it's load limit to 105kg !! I've only ridden a few hundred meters.

I'd buy another Baron without a blink. I intend doing self supporting camping holidays on it in the coming year. Couldn't think of anything better 100+km /day rural touring.

Cheers, Simon