I'm just gonna throw this out there.

I've got a Cross Check, and I like it a lot. I built it up myself with 105/Ultegra components. I've also got a Kona Jake, which I rode for a while with the stock Tiagra components and then later upgraded to Ultegra. These two bikes weigh about the same, and the ride is very similar. The Jake is aluminum with a steel fork. I don't notice the fabled "feel of steel" when I switch to the Cross Check.

The reason I bring up the Jake is that it comes standard with STI shifters (and a triple crank if you have a preference there), and it's about $100 cheaper. As you say, you could add brifters later, but you should realize that it will cost you about $300 to do it later. I'd suggest that you ride the Cross Check and the Jake and see what you think of the different shifter options. Bar ends may not be bad, but IMO STI are sweet.

Finally, I feel your pain on the Cross Check color issue. OTOH, if you're willing to drop a little more coin, you don't have to be stuck with the ugly colors. Here's what I did with my Beef Gravy CC:



That said, I have to admit that the ugly colors are more conducive to using a Surly as it is meant to be used.