I think that it is great that you went to a few shops and tried out some bikes. That is the way to do it. The best way is to go and try some different bikes. If you think that you want a road bike and you do not really try any and get another type of bike, then if you are anything like me, you will always be wanting one and not really be happy until you get one. It took me a few years to figure this out.
Anyway, you really do need to find a better, well more suited to your particular needs, place to get it. When I bought my Merlin frame, I was not sure how it would feel. I did not want to spend the money on the mystery of Ti. So, the bike shop that I was working with built it up for me and let me have it for the weekend. Yes, the weekend. They new that I only wanted a frame and fork, but they figured that I might buy the whole thing built up because I had 8 speed on my current bike and this was 9 speed. Anyway, I rode it both days and put a few miles on it. I decided that it was the frame that I really liked and bought it. I had them move my components over to the new frame so I could build my Davidson up for my wife with a triple on it. I wanted to buy the whole bike but my wife said only the frameset
So, if I were you, I would try to get a road bike that you can ride on one of your regular rides. I would also have them fit you to the bike, you might want to go with a shorter stem at first that is more upright. As you get used to the position, then you can start to stretch out some. A good LBS will do a fit for you, make sure that you are set up right and adjust it for you down the road as you change. Sure, you might have to buy a new stem, but that is a small cost to get you something that feels good from the start, so you will want to ride it more, and not have to get another bike 6 months later.
I know that comparing a custom Ti frame with a slightly less expensive bike purchase is not the same, but you should be able to get the bike for a 20 to 40 mile ride. If they are a well stocked LBS, you might be able to do this for a week or so trying different bikes to make sure that you get the right one. If they do this, they will have a customer for life. At least the LBS I used to go to did until I moved. When I go and visit family, I still go buy there.
Ron