Much be said to address all that you've said. Some hate this term but the consensus is htat many, including but not exclusively older riders prefer the more relaxed fit that some ranges of models offered by Co.s provide, there are exceptions, your an example. I suppose that you could consider yourself fortunate and you're used to it. Like our fellow member, I too like to mix it up. I have a number of rigs as my name indicates. I like all that NOS88 writes and I agree that a bad bike sold by a name brand Co. is harder to find than a good one. It's cool that you're flexible.
Bianchi, though reconfigured over the years, still remains tops. The USA division as if a sep. Co. practically ; holds the reigns in the marketing, sales and to a large extent the contracting of many models while Bianchi, the Italian Co. does its thing.
2009 catalogue part of the site is the place to start. 2010 seems less complete/
2010 should be viewed for the very latest as you'll see from the outset. One model in particular is very traditional and pricey; a fair deal considering. The section under Road Steel has the few offerings remaining that are priced less, Asian made, Tig'd and excellant choices in my oppinion. A man your age traveled from northern Canada to Cape Horn S.A a few years ago on a sub twelve hundred dollar Veloce at the time.
www.bianchiusa.com also just to look @ www.jamisbikes.com for a read.. 2009 part.