It sounds to me like the Jamis is exactly what you are looking for. Why do I say this:
1. It fits your budget. 'Nuff said.

2. It fits your needs. What you need is a versatile road bike, and touring bikes are very versatile.
-You can go fast on pavement, though it's not for racing.
-It can haul a load better than a racing bike.
-It can ride in a little dirt, like hardpack/crushed limestone trails. I even took my Nashbar touring bike on some singletrack recently after equipping it with some cyclocross tires, and it did pretty well.

Since you haven't described "racing" as something you might want to do with your bike, then what you need is a touring bike, and the Jamis is the one that seems to fit your budget. I happen to like Jamis' stuff. They make great bikes at an affordable price. Their Dakar mountain bikes are now a 10 year old design that have been copied by everyone else.

You can quibble over parts, but things like seats are changeable. The Aurora's frame is great quality. You won't go wrong or be sorry you bought a Jamis.

Rich (who is not in any way associated with the Jamis company, other than owning a Jamis Quest currently).