To me the advantage that a 29er like either of the Fishers, offers is that you have the choice of fitting 700c road tyres for fast commuting or full width knobblies for off-roading or something in between like a CX tyre. Not sure how the hybrids you have in mind will be for fitting full on knobblies. A bad boy could be ok as I think they are based on MTB frames anyhow.
As for spec, Cannondale have never been overly good spec wise at a given price point as they spend money on the frames. Still made in USA I think.
There was a nice Fisher Steel 29er last year and I have seen em in sales for about a Grand. How much are the Paragon and X-Caliber?