I'm one of the slavering masses. I purchased this summer a Spesh Rubaix. I have an Elite Apex. I canned the Apex rear derailiuer and cassetee. I put an 11-36 PC1070 cassette and an X-9 Derailieur on it. I live in Central PA and need the gearing for the mountains I ride in.
I'd suggest expanding the search and add the Rubaix and Secteur as well. Both ride very well. You would be cheating yourself not looking at these bikes. I also would suggest giving Giant Deffy a look as well. Good advice from other posters. I didn't like the Synapses I rode, way too stiff. But you may like it. Haven't ridden Domaine yet so no opinions.
Ride them all and pick the one that speaks to you're soul. You can't loose with any of them.
Mark Shuman