After owning a few bikes now, I think a dual purpose (or enduro or adventure touring, or whatever the category of the day is) would really fit me best. I was pretty excited about the new buell coming out, I prefer two cylinder bikes overall for commuting use. Looking at the anouncement, and the price, there's no way I'll buy one. There are two many great bikes for less money. If Buell wants to compete, they have to adopt v-strom pricing, now bmw or ducati pricing. They have it in their minds they are a premier brand. I find them very interesting and desireable, but they don't have the history or resale value of a premier brand.
As far as the belt and being worried about rocks I don't think it'll be an issue. I had a softail for 3 years, and ride to work more than 50% of the time. I took both belt guards off a few months into my ownership and everybody screamed the same thing. "A rock will tear up your belt!" 3 years later, running no guards I still hadn't suffered any damage. Final drive belts are great. I have a bike with a chain now, and am annoyed at the process of having to clean, lube, and adjust the chain so often.
I like the Buell designs. Maybe I can find a Ulysses in a few years for 5k.....