[To Mr. Smith, the “sweet spot” for bikes in general is around $2,500, meaning for that amount average riders will get pretty much all the bike they’ll ever need.] 

Even that's a bit steep, especially considering that most riders haven't a clue on how to maintain and ride them. All sense of proportion is being lost, with many buyers thinking the more you pay, the better the machine, and they themselves have no idea how to buy something appropriate for their needs.

For the vast majority, an internal hub is the best choice. Unless you're racing , or have an intrinsic knowledge of how to use the machine, going for comfort should be the main goal. That being said, the internal hub market has grown, and there's some excellent choices.

For me, and an increasing number of others who know bikes, a classic high grade steel (manganese–molybdenum alloy) that's very springy and responsive is back in vogue (or never left in some cases like mine). Comfort, not weight, is the object for distance.