One of the LBS's just called me back with the following deals:
Trek Fuel 9.0 -- only $2,099 !!! WOW!! But, still way out of my price range ... @#$!$!@#$!$@#$%!!
Gary Fisher Cake 2 (2006) -- $1,399 -- full suspension, but with only Deore and LX rd.
Gary Fisher Big Sur (2006 -- $1,299 -- hardtail, but with LX and XT Rd.
However, they don't have the GF's in my size in stock.
Edited to add: Does anyone know what the Fuel 9.0 weighs?? Sounds like a great bike for $2.1k !