^^^ Since when is a Hybrid not good for exercising??? And you can certainly ride a Hybrid over some very long distances.

To the OP - I tried the equivalent Giant Escape and ended up with the Trek. Nothing at all wrong with the Giant, it just didn't feel as good to me on the road. You have taken both for a ride and that didn't help you pick a winner - I'm not sure anyone can help you split the difference.

I'd be cautious of relying too much on generalizations like "You get more bike with Giant". Think of what you like best and least about each bike then weigh how much those factors mean to you, as opposed to anybody else. For example, if internal cable routing really floats your boat, by all means go that route. Or if the aesthetics of one appeal more than the other. Which bike has you casting more backward glances as you walk away from it?