Wow, that front clearance is good! I'll forgo the fancy fork crown for that! 2.1 will be plenty at the rear anyway.
29+ is larger than 29er diameter, so that'd screw the geo up. If you must have plus sized tyres and drops, Rawland Ulv will be coming out later this year, very spendy though, also Salsa Deadwood, same applies though.
AWOL could be a good alternative, but as someone has pointed out, more road orientated and no cheaper.
for those doubting the bar end shifters, you could always try the Genevalle GX shifters, like a thumbie on the front of the brake lever. If I get one of these I'll probably try some on it.
