I think you probably have the answer already from reading the above. I have a Thorn Nomad which I really like. The folks at SJS seem to put a lot of thought into their bikes but so does Surly. One nice thing about the Thorn fork is the extra set of eyelets for fenders. Doesn't seem like buch but makes for installing and removing a front rack much easier. I found sizing a Thorn, just using their graph, a little difficult since they don't inlucde important measurements like head tube lenght and seat tube angle. Have them give you call for free. All things being equal, what would tip the scale for me is being able to go their shop and pick up the frame in person in order to make sure it fits you properly. I think you are correct in that these are about the least expensive frame options for a touring specific 26" wheel bike, excluding hard tail MTBs.

Just a side note, your 700c rim cracking isn't a result of the size of the rim, only the quality of the rim and the build. A 26" rim can do the same. But since you are small, you would be better off w/ the smaller wheels for sizing reasons.