What Dan said, with a couple of additions....
You'll get used to the Grip Shifters, if you buy them. I don't like them much, either, but I have them on one bike and they're not a problem.
No serious or semi-serious cyclist I know is happy with any kind of gel seat. There probably are exceptions, but I've tried two of them and gave them away. Try to find something that accommodates your anatomy.
The hand/arm numbness could be a position issue. Ask the bike shop guys to advise you on fit and setup to take some of the weight off your hands. Raising the handlebars may help.
I agree that the suspension fork is overkill for that bike, but I'm not sure it would be a deal breaker if I liked it otherwise.
Let's see, what else...? Oh--I wouldn't buy a comfort bike for myself, but I have a friend I've been trying to interest in cycling for years. He didn't like it at all until he rented a comfort bike on vacation. He enjoyed that so much he wrote a check for it on the spot, and he's riding 20 or 25 miles a week. That's not much, but it's 20 or 25 more than he was doing before. Thirty-five pounds is a lot these days, but you don't really feel it all once you're moving.
Finally, the Townie is a good suggestion. Check one out if you can find a dealer.