There is no way I could see using a Vanilla as a commuter. Those bikes should always be kept clean and polished and ridden like the works of art they are. I would just muck one up on my commute.
There are 3 companies producing decent stock frames in useful configurations: Surley, Somar, Gunnar.
If you're into SS, I would add IRO to the above list. If you want lugged, check out Kogswell. Both IRO and Kogswell seem to make commuter friendly bikes.