I would also add that I understand the straggler has fairly high demand, so there may be less room than average to negotiate (in addition to the already low Surly margins). I doubt there will be many hanging around in 6 months.

I'm drooling at a frame - I would want to change enough that I don't think the stock build would make sense for me. But that would be more than I want to spend on a bike.

Maybe look at some of the other disc cross bikes? Some of the Konas are quite a bit less expensive (but not steel).