You’ve captured my exact feelings on the Goldwing. The R18 has more soul to me and the seating position is perfect. I don’t regret switching from the 2021 dct to the r18TC.
I got one a few weeks ago: https://www.r18forums.com/threads/what-did-you-do-to-your-r18-today.97/post-40329
I'm on my 3rd Russell Day-Long Saddle. It's become standard install for me. I had it on my 2021 Goldwing, 2022 K1600B and now the R18TC.
It's worth every penny.