there are a fair number of people that don't like KHS for some random reasons. My goal for my next bike is Titanium, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another KHS. Yeah, I plan to upgrade it with various things over the next year, but it's a great bike. (and the touring model looks like a demonic good time)
If you have certain components you really really want though, buy a bike with those. it would be cheaper. I had the opportunity when I got my KHS to get a Fuji that was 200 bucks more expensive, but basically the same components. I liked the way the KHS looked better. Everything so far has been tweaks, like new pedals and such. I have no reason to believe sinking a few hundred bucks into the bike will really make a difference in speed.