Frist off I'd say that most commuters down here in Flordia ride Wal-Mart bikes. Mostly MTB and only for work commutes. Most of the commuters down here make very little money. So If you are think of getting them off Wal-Mart bikes, you LBS guys will have to start carring the cheaper bikes in the $150 to $200 range for starter bikes.
Now that I have said that. I'll give you my wants in a commuter bike. I ride faster then a normal commuter. So I like a fast road bike.
FRAME – GMC Denail, aluminum 7005 Aero Dynamic
FORK – Rigid; steel, NO Suspension
STEM – one piece
SEATPOST – standard
GEARS
Frt & RR Der 21speed, 53th front 28th to 14th back
HUBS – ball&cone
WHEELS – 700c x 28 right now
TIRES – slick, NO thread, narrow 23mm to 28mm [English, because a commuter needs to be able to air up at any gas station]
BRAKES – V
SHIFTER – Trigger
BARS – drop
Lights- front: 10 watt 6v headlight. Taillight: 5 to 7 led flasher.
Rack and storage. YES, any one that commutes needs a bag to hold they work Clothing and tools for road side fixes (flat tires and the like).