Same theory with the camping gear here, and sometimes people are amazed at the stuff I carry but its the same kit I actually carried when backpacking I just have a different tent when cycling. IMO worth it for the comfort after all its a break, not an ordeal to be endured.
Totally agree raleighnut. I too am from a backpacking background and still have the odd foray. My other half does lots of backpacking (she's off on Kinder tonight) and we tend to share the kit for the most part. We mostly use the same tent, a two person (even when on our own) Terra Nova Superlite Voyager. And we'd both agree with your comment re comfort.
The only significant difference between cycle camping and backpacking IMO is that a modest increase in weight is less noticeable on a bike.
Both cycling and in the hills we tread a middle line between light weights (we use a lot of state-of-the-art kit) and comfort. Enjoyment is the key for me, not, as you say, endurance.