Just use mechanical disc. They are anything but dead. Some new bikes that cost $2k are sold with mech brakes.
I am convinced that brakes are the component that is the most over discussed for the benefit/difference between options. <---poorly worded.
I have quality hydraulic brakes on my mountain bike. I have quality canti brakes that are 25 years old on my gravel bike. I've spend good time with mechanical trp spyre disc on a gravel bike.
I would be happy with any of them in terms of performance. And I prefer cable brakes from an aesthetic perspective of the STI levers.
things I care more about than type of brake- shifters, drivetrain gearing, wheelset quality, tire quality, and saddle.