Thanks for all of your replies and feedback. To update you, I went with the Jamis Aurora, primarily because I wanted to buy from my local shop, it felt best when I rode the bike, and it was a bit lighter than the RS. But after doing all of this research this summer, I don't think I could have gone wrong with any of the bikes that were on my final list (Jamis Aurora, Raleigh Sojourn, Surly Cross-Check, Raleigh Clubman and Trek 520) so long as I found the right fit, and the $949 deal at REI for the RS was pretty darn tempting. Happy Riding to all!
Jane