If you are concerned about cost, I'll have to go out on a limb and suggest to stay away from Trek Carbon frames and other popular high priced frames. When I can go to e-Bay and buy a brand new Giant ONCE frame/fork for $500 to $600 and a new Campy Record 10 groupo for $1000 I couldn't go with anything else.
There are hills and mountains everywhere here in New England, I like a good climbing machine myself.
There certainly is no problem climbing with the Giant compact road frame. If one can't climb with that frame they can throw in the towel. Everyone seems to be wrapped up into Trek and DA. They are certainly not the best value out there. Shop around.
The Fife