I actually had to go back to the opening post to find out what the original intent was for this thread. @
rydabent mentioned bang-for-the-buck, and my take on that is I cannot imagine paying four figures for a mid-range plastic bike that you know will wear out, when you can get a top-of-the-line steel classic for the same or less $, that you can ride until you can't ride any more. I acknowledge the weight difference, but for my style of casual touring, it's not that big a deal.
Of course, I've gotta admit that I will NOT allow myself to test ride a carbon fiber bike. Lead me not into temptation...
*
*
*