Nice thread
There had been actually quite a big number of different Hybrid models in the 90ties, almost every bike brand gave it a try.
Just due to certain reasons, Hybrids never got really cool, back in time, it was all about having a sporty bike, and MTBs have been considered much more sporty than the hybrids.
Pretty soon the bike brands realized that hybrids are mostly interesting to elderly people and than we all know what happened.
They called bikes with 700C or 28" wheels Trekking bikes, and those bikes had been equipped with fenders, racks and comfy bars and wide saddles. Also the price point moved downwards and weight has further increased.
Anyway, I must admit, that back in time I would have never ever considered a bike with 28" wheels. Now I have realized it was a failure and those bikes do have a lot of advantages.
Sure, I want to show two of my 700C bikes at home here too:
An Diamond Back Overdrive (mathematically not fully correct, but to me with the Gary Fisher Sphinx one of the first 29er MTBs)
I'm using this for commuting and gravel roads with a drop bar, Gevenall brake- shift levers and 1x10 speed setup but with old mech and crank.
the other one is a Specialized Crossroads, with riser bar and step stem to provide my wife a bit a more upright riding position.