Rivendell, in order to generate more revenue, has found some bikes that are still in the retro lug style that Grant likes and thinks some of the public likes as well but at low enough price points that the average buyer can afford. Back in 06 and 07 when I was looking for a new lugged steel touring bike I had seriously considered the Atlantis but later got a Mercian because for the same money as the Atlantis I had a bunch of options done on the frame that Rivendell wouldn't do. If you look at the price of the Atlantis it's still very high compared to what a few other custom builders can do, and the Atlantis isn't even custom! However their other lines of bikes under the Atlantis like you said represent a decent value for what you can find especially the Sam Hillborne which for $1,300 plus if you buy their $1300 starting groupset that is recommended for the Atlantis you have a nicely painted and artistic lugged steel bike with decent and reliable components for $2600 for a bike that will last a lifetime and get oohs and aahs from the bike crowd.