Real nice job on the eBay listing, Ian, and someone will be lucky to get it. Looks very nice indeed.
It is always sad to see a bike go, but not if it helps you define your needs and wants, as this one has. I think that gunmetal Mercury is stunning and it sounds far better suited to your intended use and preferred style of riding going forward with the experience of loaded solo touring behind you*. Are you headed toward ownership? 'Kinda hoping so, as there's been a dearth of Mercurys on the Forum and it would be great to see more photos and ride reports on these wonderful machines.
All the best,
Dan. (*...who dearly loved reading about your French touring adventures)