I had an early Canondale MTB just after they gave up the large front wheel thing. I agree those frames are fine. I have never riden two identical unloaded bikes, so I don't know how aluminum fares in that comparison. But unless one goes the Canondale route, I;m not sure how much choice there is in that segment.
I would buy a touring bike unless you plan to race. I think touring bikes on blacktop are the big secret. Markets are only moved by extremes, which create buzz. Most notably in the bike segment, the racing bike was king, until the mountain bike came along. 90% of cyclist, on-road, need a touring bike. I'm talking classical touring bike, but the next best option would be MTB, etc... configured for touring. You can get a nice steel touring bike for about half your target.