Cannondales breaking? Ive never heard that before! (didnt they used to do a lifetime warranty on their frames?)

If you like aluminium, for a bang for buck alu frame, a GT Zaskar is good value at around 299 for the frame. You could XT it and add some decent forks and you'd be under a grand.

When Klein got bought out the prices of their bikes dropped hugely, and were good value last time I looked (are they still going?)

Steel MTB frames offer great value for money, now they sell Kona at halfords, Id bet the frame/bike prices will drop.

Ti frames are great, but its another price bracket.

Im a big fan of Pace forks if there is budget for some good ones.

BTW I think its a great idea to get the best possible frame, as you can always upgrade the bits as money and time allows.

Theres nothing better than getting a new bike!  aaah the smell of it.