This afternoon I drove around and checkout some other hybrids besides the Maravista. The Fugi Supreme and the Maravista pretty much tied in my estimation, so I picked the Diamondback because the lbs is only a mile away and I pretty much like the owner. He is blunt, uncharming and my age. I'll pick it up Monday after work. I learned that what I already suspected is true. You start spending money after you buy the bike.
The various salespeople I spoke to in different shops were invariably helpful and pleasant, and I was glad to see that they were all busy. The only bike I looked at in my price range that I wouldn't have been happy with given my current status as a rusty rider was the GT Nomad. It seemed crowded with me on it, but that could have been solved by moving the seat and/or the handlebars. It was a pleasant way of spending an afternoon. I must say that things seem a bit nicer than they were the last time I bought a bike 30 years ago.