Hardtail or cheap FS?

Apologies for posting a new discussion but I have somehow managed to delete my recent one while editing it. Thanks for those who have already contributed.

I am looing for a bike for my brother. Initially he was dead set on buying a cheap FS suspension bike as close to 1k as possible but up to 1.5k at an absolute maximum. The two main contenders were:

Calibre Triple B (£1300 with discount): https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15905428/calibre-triple-b-mountain-bike15905428

or

Vitus Mythique 29 VRX 2020 (£1519.99 with discount): https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-mythique-29-vrx-bike-sx-eagle-1x12-2020/rp-prod182815

Out of these two the consensus seems to be to go for the Vitus.

However, I think I have managed to persuade him that he might be better going for a HT. We ride mainly blues at trail centres and visit Dartmoor, Exmoor for all day rides. Initially he was dead against it, however, after looking in to it a bit more he thinks it might make sense. Again he would look to spend as close to £1000 as possible potentially up to a maximum of £1500.

These are the HTs that I have suggested to him.

Ragley Marley 1.0 2020 (£1299.99): https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ragley-marley-1-0-hardtail-bike-2020/rp-prod188246

Vitus Sentier 29 VR 2020 (£1099.99): https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-sentier-29-vr-bike-sx-eagle-1x12-2020/rp-prod181520

Nukeproof Scout 290 Race 2020 (£1099.99): https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/nukeproof-scout-290-race-bike-deore-2020/rp-prod183330

A further option is the Vitus Sentier 29 VRS (£1399.99): https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-sentier-29-vrs-bike-xt-slx-1x12-2020/rp-prod181533

In many ways this one looks like the best option. However, I am wondering if he is better off going with the VR and saving himself £300 for some kit.

Do my choices make sense? Have I missed any choices and if so which ones do you guys think offer better value for money?

Many thanks again.