I like those GS's, my boss has 2 of all things. But at $20K (with the "mandatory" options) I don't think that's what most world travellers are picking up for their trips. Ewan and Charley got them free, remember. Fantastic bikes, but a $5K KLR would probably be the safer choice for world travel and still having the funds to bribe the customs guys. Never mind the reduced weight.
I could probably live without the lost oil viewing window and failed final drive too, though that's only one GS's story that I know of in the Portland area. Really I think beemers are pretty reliable, mine always have been. But a $20K SUV is hard to swallow given the choices from $5-12K that are better in the dirt. Guess I don't know too many guys who can afford a $20K bike who want to ride the challenging off road stuff. But damnit you look good pretending on them.