When in doubt, I'd say go for long cage -- that's the SGS version. That's the version on the Cannondale Trail 5 with the 30T chainring and 11-42 cassette.

I use long cage on my bikes with cogs up to 32T, but these are older 1990s Shimano Exage 500CX, and Deore LX SGS. The Deore is a little better. And I use triples, 30/40/50. No problems with covering the full range, even crosschaining to 50 front/32 rear (just as a test to be sure I don't rip the derailleur off, not a gear combo I actually use).

I even used the early 1990s Deore LX SGS on a road bike with 13-28 freewheel for a month. Worked great. I just replaced it with a 1990s Shimano 600 short cage, but that's mostly for appearance so the big kids don't tease me at group rides for having a mountain bike derailleur on a road bike. Kidding, I'm 61 and don't care what people say. I just wanted to try a short cage RD. No difference in function.

Check the mountain bike forum for suggestions on other derailleurs. They'll have more practical info. I'm just a casual gravel rider. The Deore is a good value but MicroShift and others may be as good or better.