I'm kinda thinking the Marin bobcat for my GF who's like 5'2 105lbs... which has reasonablly modern trail geo... 120 fork, longish reach, 67.5 HTA and 75 STA (very good for HT)
thing is... most the bikes in this range kinda suck for upgradability... I really would like boost, thru-axels, so it can take a pounding and be upgradable for works, wheelsets etc... also often the head tubes STILL aren't tapered.
So yeah, Ideally a 66-67 HTA with modern reach and at least a 120mm fork with tapered headset and thru-axels with decent wheel/hub combo's would be pretty much on spot.
I think I may need to up the budget to something like the Roscoe's which are really good value for dollar.