This thread hasn't seen any activity in a while, so I doubt I'll influence the decision that started it, but I figured I'd weigh in anyway in case anyone else is interested...
That said, I have fairly extensive experience in the bike business, and I have to say that the best value-for-money deal I've come across is the Surly Karate Monkey. It's a mountain-bike frame designed for 29-inch wheels, which have become something of a fashion in the past few years. This adds an element of versatility, as the frame can therefore clear the larger wheels designed for road bikes. The bike also comes with eyelets and braze-ons for racks and fenders (details ignored on many other cheap frames), and is built from sturdy 4130 chro-moly tubing. I ride another frame built by the same company, and it survived being run over by a Chevy Tahoe (I was hit from behind, and every piece of equipment on the bike was trashed, but the frame stayed straight). Bike shops usually don't stock Surlys on the floor, but they can usually order them from Quality Bike Products (a major wholesaler, just about every shop deals with them). Depending on the components and finishing kit, one of these bikes could easily be had for $7-800.
If quality and country of origin are an issue, I'd recommend looking into smaller independent builders, many of which can provide you with a frame handbuilt to your dimensions and specifications for a surprisingly modest price...