I have a Novarra 2010 Radonee, which is very much like the LHT, but with regular brifters. I am very happy with it and it has a major virtue for a commute. It was pretty cheap, about half of your budget.

Expensive bikes have a purpose (and only individual financial status can dictate what is expensive), but I would suggest not commuting on any bike that you would be traumatized if it was stolen or broken in an accident.