Thank ColonelSanders... I'm trying to explore all options and saw the 7.5 and considering it as worth a look. We'll see when I get to see up close and personal. Trek states "FX is fitness simplified. It offers a best-of-both-worlds combination of road bike speed and city bike comfort and versatility. It’s a perfect fitness bike, and so much more." Given that my off-roading is limited to some minor dirt paths, sand, gravel and seashells and my road riding is in small towns with lots of curbs to hop, it "may" be worth a closer look.
I'm not sure if the tire size differences are significant or semi-close - 700x28c on the 7.5 vs. 700x35c on the verve? Sorry for the rookie question but is that a huge deviation?
Take that marketing puffery with a grain of salt. The FX line are fine bikes, but the truth is, all bikes strike a balance between speed and comfort, weight, price and durability. The FX line seeks to strike a balance, but nothing is perfect. If riding mostly on pavement is your thing and you want a hybrid or flat bar road bike, the FX series might be for you.
Since you are still in the research phase, take some time and explore the many options out there, what you hope to do with your new bike over the next 2 to 4 years, and finally, don't lock in on just one brand. Trek markets a fine bike and though they make lots of bikes, but they are not necessarily the best in every segment and price point. So take some time and explore the possibilities. Once you narrow down the type of bike you want, narrow it down to 3 or 4 bikes from different brands, and make your choice after test riding and getting a feel for which shop seems to meet your needs post purchase.