I had a Surly LHT for a while and really liked it. I paid $1000 for it, a year later when I had some "extra money" I upgraded the frame to a Rivendell Hunqapillar and like it a lot more. The frame for the Hunq was $1500 then, I sold the LHT frame for $350 so the net cost was $2200 but I have absolutely no regrets. If you have the parts you want (or can live with) a Surly Cross-Check or LHT frame would be the route to go. If you want to spend a little more, look at a Riv Hillborne or Hunqapillar, you won't believe the quality of the ride.

Marc