Rebel- so a shifting issue is the bike mfr's problem??? Nothing wrong with Jamis bikes- everything wrong with shops that have rookie wrenches that don't know how to fix things correctly.

Battletroll- frame material is your choice. If you can eke out a carbon frame on your budget, then go for it. If you shop at a reputable LBS, you pretty much can't go wrong with any brand. Make sure it fits and that you love the way it rides. Don't worry about who's label is on the tubes. When I bought my R900, it wasn't on my original list. I rode it because I wanted a Campy equipped bike to replace my older Campy equipped bike, and it was one of the handful taht were available without going custom- which was beyond my budget. It was the bike that rode the best for my riding style, so it was the one I bought.

Good luck!