I already know the answer....

I'm an older guy who hasn't been biking much but I'm moving to a place where there's a TON of mtn biking and I'm looking to get back into it. I'm not sure how much time I'll have with work and kids and wife and life, so I'm leaning towards an affordable entry level bike and if I like it, I upgrade or trade up. **BUT** \- BUT - there are some crazy bike deals out there and I could pay a little more now and save a lot later. So I am accessing the hive mind and seeking advice, knowledge, criticism... all thoughts welcomed, what would you choose given these two option if you're 50 years old and riding in Scottsdale, AZ:

Option one: 2022 Giant Stance 2 29 - $750. PLUS: affordable. MINUS: fork, shock, rear QR axle, no dropper.

Option two: 2023 Scott Spark 960 - $1750. PLUS: remote dropouts, better components, better suspension, has the dropper and thru axles. MINUS: $1000 more than the Giant.

UPDATE: OPTION 3! Covid-fuelled mountain bike overstock insanity revealed a VITUS MYTHIQUE VRX 29, sales price before tax: $1099. I appreciate everyone's advice - and the stoke is supreme.