Are you perhaps looking for someone to say that their $400 bike is better than the other $400 bike? You get what you pay for in the USA, more often than not. Especially at BD slashed prices, you are not going to find a bike that is so special that it is better than all the others in it's class.

Buy in the price range you can afford, and know that a steel frame single speed bike is going to last a long time because it is so simple. I have a Pista with a chro moly frame and it is great for taking a beating in the city on various terrain. If you purchase a cheap SS or track, you are focusing on the right idea, the frame, just make sure the weight isn't an issue and order that new commuter!