You could take an afternoon off with your compactflash card to say ,Jessops or other specialist shop, put the card in and actually play with the cameras on your shortlist for say 10 min at a time to get more than a fleeting feel. Then compare the pics ( taken on full auto same focal length) on your PC. You will be surprised how the differences ( or lack of ) will influence you. I did and although I didnt eventuallly buy from Jessops they didnt mind and ( within limits) they pricematch
As I stated in an earlier, post. none of the cameras (ie 350D D50 D70s or even the konica minolta ) is likely to dissapoint you in output.
The larger megapixel ( of the 8 megapixel cameras) can be a big advantage in crops . Even if largely unused it is NOT a disadvantage.
The "feel" factor is completely indiviual and no one brand has monopoly of it.
Above all ,given the variances in cost: watch your pocket. You will need to buy ( a tripod, perhaps external flash, maybe lenses, ?? extra battery, ? a grip, flash cards) etc
My point , dont spend more than is nessesary for the camera itself as you will soon wish to support it with acccesories as your horizons become more broad