After much debate and pricing, I decided to go with a simple oak floor.  I picked up random width, three-side planed Appalachian oak for $3.50/board foot and started installing it after work.  It is screwed to the sub floor.  The screws are countersunk and pegged over with oak cut from the same stock.  This makes for a smoother look and less places for dirt to accumulate.  Pictures should be up this weekend.  This adds a fair chunk of weight but with all the savings elsewhere, it seems worth it.