If I owned a carbon framed wonder bike with brifters and wanted a more durable bike for some long distance riding with a steel frame, I would first consider staying with the same type of shifters that I already am comfortable with. Thus, I would start looking at bikes with brifters. In that regard, I would consider a Windsor Tourist. I actually have never seen one, but it has had favorable comments on this forum. And the price is certainly right. It is similar to older Fuji Touring bikes and I have looked at those pretty closely.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/tourist.htm

I have a LHT, so I am not suggesting that you don't get it. But, the two bikes you are comparing are very different from each other and I wonder if you would really be happy with it?