I have an '08 GS with, I presume, the same engine & power characteristics as yours. I also have luggage & comfort envy of the RT models. Done my best with the BRP backrest & Comfort seat, floorboards, large windshield, Givi topbox, bar risers etc, to make it a more comfortable ride for my old body.
Bought the GS because it was what I could afford (well, not afford so much, as was allowed to spend) & most of the "improvements" were bought used.
I love it now but still have a hankering for some Givi hard side luggage to finish it off. I find the engine a dream.
When I bought it last year with only 100 miles on it, the salesman said it was far less complicated than the RT ones with far less of their problems. Having been on this forum for a while I can now appreciate the wisdom of his words.