Mason Raw, Fairlight Holt... what else?

I'm in the market for a high quality steel or Ti XC/bikepacking hardtail (frame or frame&fork only) to replace a Specialized Epic FS (because the 'Brain' has annoyed me no end, and I have a FS Trail bike for days of gnar). It'll be used for winter sludge, long (sometimes very long) days across varying terrain, short hacks around the Cotswolds on all manner of stuff and the occasional multi-day loaded foray into the mountains crawling along and wheezing like an asthmatic dog (me, not the bike). I like the idea of something a little special and less off the peg, but I'm such a completely ordinary size and shape a custom bike is a waste of cash (I have a frame fit to prove it too!).

Obvious choices are the Mason Raw and the Fairlight Holt (though the latter now has a Feb lead time). Any thoughts on these or alternatives?

Cheers!

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