OK so after road biking for over 30 years I find myself playing in the mud on a touring bike. I kinda like it and would like to maybe explore some. So If I'm going to do it I should get the right equipment.

After some looking I set my sights
I figure to start I should get something with a front suspension but no rear
Not sure about Disc brakes vs V (It sounds like disc would come before rear suspension)
I would rather a better drivetrain than low end suspension

I figure I would be doing some Mud, dirt roads, roots and rocks but nothing real techincal.

I have set my price point in the neighborhood of $700.

So far I have seen
Specialized RockHopper Disk
Haro V5
Trek 6500 (non disk)

Obviously the Trek (an 06) has the better Components but no disk brakes w/disk hubs.
The Haro while the lowest price seems to have Deore level shifters but low end fork and heavy frame.
The Specilaized s right in the middle with lower level drive train but a little better fork.

Thoughts? I guess the real question is should I kick it up to get some mechanical disc brakes?

Thanks