Thanks for all your insight and suggestions so far!
Regarding the Koda bikes, I saw some 2005 models recently and found them to be pretty decent, although not quite as much as the Devinci's. They are considerably less then I am looking to spend, and I am willing to invest more for superior parts.
Trek blows my mind with their lack of flexibility. The reason why I have the 7.5 on my list, and nothing higher end, is because you can't get a higher end hybrid from them that can accomodate disk brakes. I can't imagine why, it's really a rediculous oversight. The Soho can take them, but unfortunately, it is far closer to a road bike and would not handle the kind of punishment I need it to. The 7700FX cannot accomodate disk brakes either, which really disappoints me. What a shame, I loved that bike otherwise.
I have the feeling that a CX bike would just not be versitile enough. It's a big risk for me to take at that cost. Although it's so tempting...they look like they'd chew through anything I could take it through, but a loss of comfort and balance could result in a loss of pleasure.
The hybrid I currently have is steel, and I do like it a lot, although it is heavy. I just feel that this time, I need to put an extra emphasis on wieght and getting up those nasty climbs without passing out at the top. I might live to regret this, as I expect the aluminum frame to come with a whole new set of headaches and complaints. I guess that's what I am trying to determine here, amongst other things.
I definately want to make as little modifications as possible. I definately lack the skill to do them myself, and for some reason, the LBS's here seem uninterested in indulging my desire to customize things to exactly the way I want them. They seem very focused on selling bikes just as they were provided to them. I have asked questions about swapping tires, etc. and they try and leave me with the impression that it's unheard of. If anyone here is in the Toronto area, I'd really appreciate if you could suggest a shop where I might encounter more co-operative personel.
Thanks again all! Please keep 'em coming.