I have no experince with the new bikes. I had access to a 1962 and a 1974 Alex singer for reference when I built my light touring bike. Alex Singer himself is long dead but from what I hear they still make high quality bicycles. I know where you are coming from about " the last bike". 7 grand isn't outrageous for a high quality bike these days

Here is a field trip report about a visit to Alex Singer

http://www.ece.ubc.ca/~gillies/singer/