Scott,
Last year I moved all the components from my Sirrus over to a Surley Cross Check. After riding it all summer, I decided to move those components back to my Sirrus frame. The sirrus geometry allowed for a suspension seat post, while the Surley did not.
I test rode the Sequoia last year, but did not like it. It was too much of a comfort bike.
I ended up with a Specialized Cross trail for the bike paths, and the Sirrus for everything else. Now I am playing with the components of the Sirrus... the A319 wheels of course, and a carbon fiber handlebar.
There is a bike for you. I spent a couple hours in the LBS today, which sells Giants and Specialized... and I know there is a bike in there for you.
Check out the Giant Rapid if you want a comfort bike... well, that's my idea of a comfort bike... Also check out the Sirrus... However, if you really want to get cushy, and don't mind the extra pounds, the Specialized Crosstrail will go anywhere. Just be sure to get a fork with a lockout.
Mike...
Here's some Rapids for you to look at...
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/bik ... 400/39715/
and here are some Sirrus's...
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBC ... emId=12189
The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten, so build your teardrop with the best materials...