I'm not sure why he talked you out of the LHT... it sounds like it is the bike that would fit most of your needs (I'm not sure how good it would be for offroading, but it can be done on an LHT.) The Jamis touring bike is called the "Aurora." It's also a fine bike - it has STI shifting that is similar to what you most likely have on your road bike. The LHT comes with bar-end shifters (i.e. the shifting is not integrated with your brake levers.) The smaller frame LHT's, 54cm and below, come with 26" wheels if that makes a difference. I have a touring bicycle that I use for commuting, touring, distance rides, and sometimes road rides. I'm very happy with it. It is a Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30 and it has STI shifting and 700c wheels. It is a steel frame just like the LHT and the Jamis Aurora.

Another option to consider would be a cyclocross bicycle. The Specialized tri-cross comes to mind. I believe that it has the braze-ons that make it possible for you to attach a rack and panniers for commuting and light touring. It would also do a little bit better as an offroad bicycle than a touring bike. The tri-cross bikes come as aluminum or carbon frames.

Prices?

LHT about $1100
Jamis Aurora about $900
Rocky Mountain Sherpa about $1400
Tri-cross $1450 - $5800