I'm 5'11", 32" Inseam, 170 pounds wet, I ride a full squish 27.5 Large Frame,, why?
I wanted the agility, flick~a~bility and Snappy acceleration of the smaller Stronger, Stiffer(shorter spokes) wheel size.
No, I needed It because my trails have lots of short punchy climbs.

I would not want a 27.5 Hard Tail under any of my trail conditions. IF I wanted a Hard Tail It would be a 29er,,,
I'd choose a lighter bike with better components and above all else I'd have a decent set of light, strong wheels.

Modern 29er Geo has gotten so much better In the, 'Agility, flick~a~bility and Snappy acceleration' department btw.

A good wheel set Is a big deal especially on a 29er as Is Tubeless tech

"carriage trails, other decently hard packed trails, nothing too aggressive" screams for a light 29er with a nice tubeless wheel upgrade.

IMHO any 27.5 would hold you back In those conditions.....