Not too sure about wheels, but it sounds like the frame is mostly based on feel. I tested out a Trek 7.2FX, Specialized Sirrus, and Fuji Absolute 3.0 last year. I liked the Specialized and Fuji, but I would have rather kept riding the too small MTB conversion I had than ride that Trek.
I wonder if there is much of a difference in using road or MTB components on a hybrid. For example I am thinking of building up a nice rigid MTB frame I have into a hybrid, and I have a XT and 105 RD sitting in my parts bin.