Hi, Ben.
First, I'm not the expert many here are.
The reason dslr users don't use the lcd is that, except for a few models, you can't use them for composing on a dslr. There only there to review your photo after you take it.
The viewfinders are generally much brighter than those on p&s cams and as in 35mm slr cameras, looking through the viewfinder is looking through the lens.
For $1,500 you should be able to get a good mid range dslr.
I bought a Nikon d80 last year for less and I'm pretty sure you could get a d200 for that price. A lot of people love their Canon xti which is even less than those Nikons and Olympus and Pentax all have their followers.
One thing you must remember is that buying the dslr body is only the beginning. If you aren't sure what your main photography endeavor will be, you can get the camera with a kit lens until you figure out what it won't do that you want to do and then go lens shopping.
All the experts here will tell you that the lens is more important than the body and you can spend many thousands of dollars pro lenses or as most of us amatuers buy quite good lenses for a few hundred. Right now, I'm using the Nikor 18-135 that came with my camera and find it to be more than satisfactory. I also have a Sigma 70-300 apo with micro capability that I use on occassion and am looking to buy a 50 mm prime lens.
I don't want to scare you off on expenses but just want you to keep in mind that bags, memory cards, tripods, lenses, filters all can add up quickly to surpass your initial investment.
I just save money and get the best I can after researching the heck out of everything.
Before you buy, research and research some more. Read the reviews here and at dpreview.com. When you are down to two or three, go to a store and handle the cameras to see which fits you better and has the most intuitive controls.
If you are going to buy online, make sure you look at the dealer review forum. There are a lot of shady online dealers and a few good ones.
Good luck and be sure to continue to ask questions as I'm sure you'll have new ones every day.