Depends on the type of commuting. Bike paths and such, you can use almost any bike, if you are more like the movie 'Quicksilver', then a light nimble bike is your steed.
It is rare that a touring bike is too stiff, one of the redeeming features in a touring frame is more flex.
If the bike is strictly for commuting, then Priority may be the best choice, even for some short tours. If you plan to do some long distance touring, then the Koga is the dream bike. (yes, it is overbuilt for going back and forth)
"Beating up" the bike is a normal thing when it gets high usage. The biggest concern I would have for either bike is theft.