If you want to avoid the big brand markup, most vendors have nice cross bikes that might suit your needs and Fuji is a solid brand. keep an eye on performancebike, they unload Fujis all the time and/or have double or triple point weekends that can go a long way to providing accessories for your new bike.
Larger volume tires will be more comfortable and less likely to flat but won't corner as well (no crit racing on these things!) and the top end tends to be lower too, so you'll get a 46 tooth chainring instead of 50-53. It's probably not a big deal.