My 2 cents worth...

It sounds like you do already have clarity! You've landed in the aluminum vs. steel (well, there's carbon and titanium too) debate, and there's no *right* answer. As you've found, different materials and different bike geometries feel and behave very differently. The fact that you can discern these qualities now is a good sign (I didn't know how to shift on my first test ride).

Just remember buying a bike isn't (necessarily) a lifelong commitment. Regardless of what you buy now, in 5 years you'll probably be lusting after something new anyway.

If you've found an LBS that will work with you, and it sounds like yours does, that's a great start.

Kim (a titanium snob at the moment)