Hmmm... lots of information there...

--I'd stay away from the Conquest (the lower-end used one). That frame is going to be heavier and less stiff. I actually rode a low-end conquest that was quite sluggish feeling. Also I believe those Tektro brakes are not as good as the Avids.

--Generally, I'd want to stay at least at 105, especially for the front derailleur (why is it that they always put higher quality rear der's on, when it makes much more difference in front?).

--I wouldn't get hung up about small things like seatposts and handlebars; not only do these not cost much to change, but you may end up needing something different than what comes stock anyway. Carbon seatposts sort of fall into the "bling" category -- and I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to have one for cross anyway.

--One thing I would look at is gear ratios. While you certainly can swap out cranks and cassettes, it can get a little pricey and you'd want to figure that into the final cost. I would definitely compare the gear ranges and try to figure out what you want. That Axis has an LX rear der -- does it have a big huge cassette in back? Are the compact cranks standard road compacts (50/34) or something more like 46/36? Etc...

--That Cross Concept looks pretty sweet ...I'd be tempted. Blue looks nice also, and the Conquest Pro seems fine too. They downgraded the components on the Axis to Tiagra (my 2005 Axis has 105), and that would be a negative for me.

--I guess other than this, I would take each of them for a nice long test ride if you can (at least 30 min). Each one will have different ride characteristics, and you will have preferences. This is probably as important as the other stuff.

Good luck! Glad you were able to find some bikes that fit.