I think the onus is on O.P. to either tell us why he wants a new gravel bike, or to pick one.
If this is to be a "check out gravel biking" and money is a potential issue, buy the cheaper bike. If money is no issue and it's certain he wants to get into gravel biking, buy the more expensive one. In between, buy the REI bike, take it for a weekend of gravel rides, and return it if gravel biking isn't for you. I hate to advocate such a course of action, but better one weekend than ride it until the day before the free returns period is up.
The worst bike you can buy is the one that hangs in the garage forever.