Bianchi Pista looks pretty nice. There are a couple of Crew bikes on sale that cost about as much as the Mercier. I will probably go with the 'starter,' then if I consistently commute with it will move up the ladder. It is a bit of a chicken or the egg dilemma, as if you have to climb on a janky hoopdie every morning you may be less enthusiastic about the trip, so won't ride, so won't be able to justify getting the bike that you would actually want to ride every day.
Again, many thanks for your input I really appreciated it.