Thanks for the advice everyone! This is exactly what I wanted to hear. I've heard great things about the Surly LHT (among others) and the $1,000 saved goes a long, long way.

I guess my biggest concern is that this will be a heavy, tough, brutal ride, and I don't mind shelling out for a frame that can handle it. The last thing I want is a dead tube midway between Dawson City and Fort McPherson. But I also don't mind saving money, and if a less expensive frame can handle it, then that's what I'll buy.