Hi,
I have little to no real life experience in the areas to which you speak, however, I have been researching the same topic. What I'll write below will speak more towards the commuter side of your commuter/touring interests.
Take a look at the following bikes- I found each to be interesting:
1) Burley Runabout - Google will help you find info on this bike.
2) Trek X500 for 2005 and currently the Trek X600 (neither has a seel frame) I've looked for info on this bike and there seems to be none- Trek's web site is the only source I've found.
3) Thorn Raven frame set from Harris Cyclery. The complete bike is very expensive, but the frames are suppose to be quite reasonable.
The Burley and X500 I believe retail for $1050 each. Both will also be very hard to test ride. Stores that carry the Burley seem to be few and far between and according to the local Trek dealer, an X500 is the least popular bike in N. America. The X500 can be ordered but he will not stock the bike. I assume other Trek dealer have a similar view even if they arent as blunt.
Other informational sites:
http://mysite.verizon.net/res6sdo1/c...r_bicycles.htm
http://nordicgroup.us/commutebike/
Good Luck
PS- I've decided to put a few $ into my old 1983 Miyata 1000LT- If I stick with commuting/touring or bust the frame I'll treat myself to an upgrade.