I think the “touring “ event part separates it from the professional Tours or the RAAM because if is just another recreational ride; one where people wear funny feathers and glue fox tails to their helmets.
Check out this adorable picture of Voeckler with his little son from the versus facebook site:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=189028774490498&set=pu.165455726847803&type=1&theater
The RAAM has always been (unless things have changed) a very dangerous and deadly nonstop TT. That is why it is nothing in comparison to DuPont etc. It is not a fair or fun race, planned by slick amateur asses, and even crazy Desgrange would agree. The goal must never be to kill the competitors through exhaustion, dehydration, or disorientation.