I've rode a Scott SUB20 and didn't like the ride very much. I think it's similar to the SUB 30 and 40, but has Alivio crank and Deore brakes and derailleur. It was pretty rough on all but the smoothest roads, but admittedly it was quicker than my current ride, Marin Muirwoods 29er, or felt that way at least.

The bikes you listed are mostly cro-moly or aluminum fram with carbon forks. The Scott SUB bikes are aluminum frame and fork, at least my SUB20 was, so that might be something to look out for.

The Scott SUB20 I tried would have been around $550 IIRC. They had it at the REI store, but I would have had to order online from REI Outlet because they had a 20% off online-only, not valid in store, coupon.