All except the Sub 20 have suspension forks, which you do not want on a commuter. Suspension forks are for maintaining traction when riding rough off-road trails, and they come a cost in efficiency and weight (as well as money). Tires and frame should provide all the suspension you need for most on-road riding, with your arms and legs handling the really rough patches.

Also, I'd really recommend test riding a bike with drop bars, which doesn't have to mean an aggressive road bike. A relaxed drop bar bike (Surly Cross-Check, Kona Dew-Drop) with handlebars approximately level with the saddle will give you the same riding position as a straight-bar bike, but with better ergonomics and the ability move your hands around and adapt to different conditions. The only benefit of straight bars is that they can be very wide, giving you plenty of leverage. This is important for mountain biking, but not needed on the road.