I just wanted to give a quick update for everyone who gave me advice on my search for a new everyday/commuting bike. Just when I thought I had made my decision, I wandered into a bike shop that happened to have a Specialized Sirrus in my size; after having spent about six years eyeing it, I gave it shot. Pretty much from the minute I got on, it felt like it was already my bike. Based on that experience, I had them special order a Sirrus Elite (which, with a generous discount, was right around what I wanted to spend).
It came in on Friday, and after spending the weekend with it, I couldn't be happier. I took it on a long-ish ride to a local park for a birthday party on Saturday, and I mounted a rack on it to take it grocery shopping this morning. I'm so thrilled... now to work out saddle issues. o_O
Thanks again to everyone who helped!