Expert don't think discs are worth it?...I guess it depends on the rider. I personally think they are invaluable for my riding. However...not everyone needs them. In fact for most people they are overkill / overweighted / overcost. What the weather like where you are. Muddy, rainy or really dry? Terrain? etc...

Those play big parts. Personally I can ride either really dusty terrain or super wet and sometimes deep mud. I also ride very steep and fast technical trails (up and down) and need constant braking in all conditions. Disc brakes offer me that.

It sounds like you could go with a typical xc bike with good v's...the hardrock is meant for more aggressive riding and the geometry shows it. Past that I can't recommend much because I don't know squat about xc bikes