Don't need disc brakes
Get them anyway, it’s pretty much standard, would be harder to find rim brakes. It’s the future,
Don't need clipless pedals
New bikes don’t come with clipless pedals, you have to buy
Don't want front suspension forks
Dont get a mt bike
Really would like to keep it under $600
Keep looking
Prefer carbon forks or maybe quality steel
On a road bike, carbon might be the only choice.
Agree, web searching for this is hard on a phone. Get a tablet or laptop or borrow,