since you know that 700c & 29er rims are same diameter, perhaps you also realize that you could put cx tires on a 29er that are not nearly so tall as big ol' knobbies. plus, besides the fact that you mention the 29er you rode was too big for you, keep in mind that a full sus like a tallboy is, well, taller than a rigid hardtail.

i kinda thought i had found a perfect do everything bike. been riding a fixed redline 925 for just about everything lately. it is a tuff frame that will take wide tires, i stripped off the fenders, swapped to riser bars, & threw on some 32c cx tires. besides commuting & cruising, i began taking it to the same trails i ride my stumpy on for some "hipster mountain biking". funny thing is, today at the trailhead some guy talked me into selling it to him so now i think i may try building up a steamroller frame i had sitting in the garage to do the same thing.

good luck to you finding your one bike. with your prospective budget the hardest part may be narrowing down the choices.