I would recommend something like the Specialized Crossroads. Big fat tires for sand and bad roads, with a 9 spd rear, and a road leaning triple up front. Wide OEM tires, also mean there will be plenty of room for fenders if you decide you want them. Those borough armadillo tires are a good combo of slick, with blocks on the outside for the soft stuff, and relatively flat resistant. OEM Body Geometry seats are usually pretty comfy. IMO, Specialized lock on grips(OEM) are as good as Ergon, and their $25 composite bar ends work very well at a low price. The 48-36-26 front, with an 11-32 rear will allow you to go fast, and still ride up a tree. (Yeah, I'm a Specialized fan, because they fit me the best)

You can always go down in tire width, if you find out the tires are toooo wide. But those 45s will really help in the rough stuff. And ride really nice.

I'm sure that other manufacturers have similar offerings - so ride 'em and decide.

Yes, I would pop for the Elite, because of the carbon fork, and 9 spd. But, I'd ask them to lose the suspension seat post during the assembly.