Originally Posted by
frpax
If you're not sure about your commitment, then buy a new seat for the Marin instead of a new bike.
If you don't like spindly tires and road bike posititioning, then why bother looking at a road bike?
+1
I'm really confused by your saying you want a drop bar road bike but hate drop bar road bikes. Huh?
Until you know what works for you on your commute, keep it cheap and simple. Get a decent saddle and work the rest out later. If it turns out you're not really into commuting, you still have a nice saddle. If it turns out you like commuting, your current bike will help you sort out what you want and need in your next bike.
Win, win.