I've ben riding an Alfine for 2x6 mile commute for 2 winters and almost 2 years.
The only bike I could find that was available was Dahon Cadenza 8. Its a nice ride, the Alfine is trouble free and it is cleaner than derailleurs. I used to muck-out the pulley wheels every few months. There is nowhere for dirt to collect now.
The Big Apple tyres are great over cobbles and efficient at cruising speed (but not so good at higher speeds)
Cable adjustment is easy and rarely needed. Wheel removal is not difficult.
Chain tension needs to be adjusted occasionally.
-Chain tensioners just replicate all the issues of derailleurs.
-Horizontal dropouts are simple but you change the brake alignment. Not sure if this is an issue. People use Alfine on the Cotic Road rat frame.
-Eccentric bottom brackets are neat but some are not so good.
--External bolt/clamp style, easy and simple. If you break the clamp, your frame is screwed but I like them.
--Set screw style, Can wear a dimple in the Eccentric block and always return to one position.
-- Internal clamp: can seize up. If you must, use a self-removing unit such as Bushnall.
-- Sliding vertical dropouts (Paragon). Good but only found on custom models.

Disc brakes can interfere with rack and fenders. Get a rear disc on the chainstay not the seatstay and you can fit a normal rack.

Other makes to look at are Merida s-presso i8d
cotic road rat

The sportiness/uprightness of the bike is purely a personal thing.