The Jamis Renegade S1 frameset should also be on your list if you want steel. Very compliant frame and fork without being too flexy, 50c tire clearance, good geometry (for me), mount points everywhere, and practical things like external cables, and a threaded T47 BB for ease of maintenance from hard miles.
The Brother Mehteh is another really solid looking option that may have better availability too, despite being UK based.