So confused!

[OakLeaf]

I'm having the same problem choosing a commuter (aka sub-55 miles RT, heavy loaded "tourer").

I need 165mm cranks and a sub-50 cm effective top tube on a sub-50 cm frame.
I need a frame that will accommodate a rear rack (steel preferred, but I'd take aluminum).
I really really want R700 brifters, a triple and a 10 speed cassette.
I really really DON'T want bar end shifters or anything other than drop bars.

That doesn't seem like much, does it? It's all available on ordinary run-of-the-mill road bikes... except for those pesky carbon rear triangles, which is a deal killer as far as mounting a rack.

It's not a problem if I spend $4000+ building up a bike on my own. It's not a problem if I buy a $2000 mass-produced complete bike and spend $500-700 retrofitting bars, brifters, rear wheel and derailleur, and/or cranks.

Where does that leave someone who really doesn't want to spend $2500+ on a second/third/fourth bike (depending on which ones you count ), the one that's supposed to be "practical?"