good answers guys, I think the NSMB article referenced above makes a good point that ultimately the only difference in in the wallet. I also take from this that it really is a preference thing
dont think anyone has mentioned that alloy is marginally more environmentally friendly as it could be recycled although the likelihood is that eventually both carbon and alloy end up in land fill.
the comment regarding looking elsewhere for a perhaps cheaper alloy frame i think misses my original question as there a plenty of uber expensive alloy bikes around too. i personally would like to jump on the SC bandwagon and quite happy to go Carbon but when the bikes weigh nearly the same, ride the same and come in the same spec, why spend the extra money.
mind is made up gonna go alloy Bronson S unless i stumble across an 18 carbon nomad in Ink blue
cheers guys