Agreed!
My LBS has been awesome in getting my bike set up and adjusted for me to accommodate my mobility problems due to pretty severe psoriatic arthritis. A good LBS will be able to find a solution!
I'd also look at recumbents... For my next bike, I'll definitely be looking at one just to see if it would better accommodate my 'issues'.
On the 'cross bike recommendation.. I love mine (specialized tricross). I threw on skinny tires to keep up with the faster folks on club rides, but I adore having the ability to go off road.