Replacing Stolen Bicycle in a National Bike Shortage (NBS)

My beloved 2011 Cannondale Quick, which I used for everything from excercise on the Chain of Lakes here in Minneapolis, to commuting to work, to getting groceries, etc..was stolen a couple weeks ago. Obviously, I am extremely disappointed as I loved this bike. Compounding this problem is that every bicycle store I call has informed me that there is a National Bike Shortage (NBS) underway and I should probably expect to wait a very long time.

I think I bought my Quick (5) for about $530 all-in with tax from a LBS in 2011. My first choice was to buy another Quick - but the local Cannondale dealer said they won't have one in until March 2021.

I have looked at a couple models in the past few days:

Giant Escape 3 \~$450. It was pretty good. The shifting felt a bit clunky.

Trek FX2 Disc - \~$650. I have yet to look at this one but I know the store has it in stock. Not sure if I want disc brakes, I am used to rim brakes.

Marin Fairfax 1 - $450. I am going to scheduel an appointment to look at this one.

Jamis Coda - $800. A bit pricier than I am used to, it was nice but I wouldn't say it was nicer than my Quick.

I also looked at the State 4310 road bike online and while it's a very attractive bike I do not like the idea of purchasing a bicycle sight unseen.

Anyone have any other recommendations on what to look for? I see a lot of people at the bike shops buying very expensive Surlys, Treks, Specialized's - at the above $1500 price points and I feel like a $500 bike worked just fine for me last time. Am I setting my sights to low? Should I just wait until next March since I have a bike brand/model that I know I like?