This thread confuses me. How'd we go from custom to Surly? I don't know the financial situation of the OP, but I'm guessing that if he's thinking of going custom he's also got enough money to complete the build with nice parts (or already has them).

I would say just get whatever you want. It's your money, and you'll be the one riding it. Plus, custom frame builders should take care of all your geometry needs for whatever type of riding you're in to or want... if they don't, then you should probably take your money elsewhere because they either don't know what they're doing or they don't care about getting you a true custom to fit your needs.