What do you use the bikes for as of now? I considered putting drop bars and a rigid fork on my hard tail 29er but backed away because it was my do-all and I wanted something that was fully capable still on our single track.
I think I would sell the soma if you can't fit at least 38mm tires comfortably. There are a lot of $1000 and under bikes, especially used, that come ready with tubeless wheels, good geometry and wide range gearing.