Not to muddy the water (feel free to ignore this) but the Nashbar flatbar road bike (really a hybrid) can be had for as little as $224 when the right sale is going on. Alloy frame, Altus level drive train similar to some of the bikes on your list.

I bought one earlier this year, but won't actually get to try it until January when I visit family in Florida (where I had the bike delivered).

Good luck and happy riding.