I would avoid suspension in that price range. While a well dampened fork with lockout and preload/rebound adjust can be nice on rough surfaces, you are not getting any of that in this price range. I think you would find the Traffic less limiting in terms of efficiency and the distance you can comfortable cover, though it depends on the distances you think you may be riding, among other factors.
If you must have suspension, however, the Nomad would be a decent compromise.
Also, if you can i would step up in the model line for a better component range. The bikes you have listed are serviceable under light use, but if you are riding more than 15-20 miles a week in anything but nice weather, stuff will wear out prematurely. I say this based on direct experience having worked at a GT dealer.
Good luck.