I just happen to like the look of steel bicycles and I have had such hard rides on aluminum (in HS and this past year), I thought I would switch materials. I'm just looking for a frame that will last me as long as posible, and I can TIG weld so that means it can be repaired easily and pretty much for free.

I hadn't seen the Gary Fisher line before, I really like the LANE. Having brifters would be a BIG plus as well.
Took a look at the specialized, seems like a good bike, can you send me a link to your commuter?