I agree the $300 paint being required now is annoying but I the value with the $300 is still hard to beat. The bike frame with bar I am estimating with PP fees is about $1425 USD.
Frames with bar + shipping and fees (QP prices may be slightly off, had to convert from CAD to USD)
-LCR020 - $1425 USD with riser HB
-XMCS VRT - $2195 USD with riser HB
-QP ER 1 - $2335 USD with zypher SSL HB
-QP Blade - $1825 USD with zypher SL HB
If QP had a riser bar, I could see the blade being competition. Maybe the new RIME Aero QP is releasing in the next few days could be a contender. However a frame with 35mm clearance and a riser bar at this price, it seems LC is still the value champ for what you get.