My kid had a similar bike (2018 ANTHEM ADVANCED 29 1) and it was the most ideal mountain bike I have experienced (even comparing it to some that are 2 or 3 times more expensive), for all the reasons you list. He sold it because he outgrew it (he had it for high school XC team); I really wish we had kept it. It was light, responsive, fast and fun to ride.
My guess is the Pro version would be a similar or better experience.