I would jump at a Fuji Touring Series V, with the proper bars, for $350, maybe even $400. If I recall correctly, it was on par with the Miyata 1000, one of the best touring bikes around at the time. You don't see them all the time, either. So is it worth an extra $50 to have it in your hands now, and to support your LBS? Yeah, maybe. But I agree, ONLY if they'll put drops and the right brake levers on.

(As a side note, if you do decide to go forward with the purchase, now would be a good time to think about some other bar style that could suit the ride... mustache, perhaps? Or randonneur bars--I love mine.)