Narrowing down the field...

subject to change without notice, of course...

Jamis Aurora, $825 with Tiagra/Deore/Sora http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/06_aurora.html

Burley Vagabond, $1600 with 105 and made in Oregon http://www.burley.com/images/PDF/Vagabond-Spec-WEB.pdf

(and then there's the Burley Hudson with Ultegra and custom paint for $2200) www.burley.com/images/PDF/Hudson-Spec-WEB.pdf

It appears that it really is cheaper to buy a full bike than it is to build-up a frame, even with short cuts. I'm leaning toward the Vagabond. I can't get a bike for at least a year, so I have lots of time.