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Yeah, @TvH 's MTB is a peach.
Have been having a mooch about on line for possible replacements this evening. Mason Bokeh is the closest thing I've found to an OTP that does close to what I was looking for from the Spooky. The Mason "In Search Of" is an interesting option too. Wouldn't be as "performance" orientated as my initial brief, but would take the wheels from my MTB and I reckon be a lot of laughs. Bit of an ugly duckling, but it's all about the ride right... Weird geo too. Much easier for me to work out what size I'd need in the Bokeh.
yetidamo-
I enjoyed owning a Bokeh, but I didn't own it for long as my riding requirements changed. It's a bit....agricultural, but they're brilliant bikes. If I had to do again, I'd look into a Fairlight Secan.
The ISO serves it's purpose well I reckon, a lot like the Salsa Cuttroat, and they will get even more popular. I do dig how they've considered running 650's as well compared to Salsa.
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Just found this thread. Really unfortunate situation; the frame looked great. What were the other issues with it, that you mentioned on page 1?
Chak
Harry 
I've read the whole thing, and my opinion counts for nothing, but I'd cut my losses and move on. You wanted the frame of your dreams, it hasn't happened. It'll always leave a bit of an after taste.
I don't want to shit on Spooky, and do wish them the best of luck, but it's a great time for custom bikes at the moment, and there's a lot of small scale manufacturers doing amazing work. You're not really short of selecting someone else to fulfill your needs.
I'm particularly excited by @TvH new ride for example, and it's a showcase of what small builders can accomplish.
Do what you said, and just wait till next year to see what comes up then.
Best of luck.