No recommendations here just a couple observations. IMO, the difference between the Ripley and the Bronson isn't huge. Have NOT ridden the Norco but a quick look it's spec'd damn nice and even at msrp would be a pretty nice ride. Anyhow IMO, there's more of a contrast between the Norco and the Bronson and that may be what you're after.

The danger with a bike that crosses lines like this is that unless you live in a place where you couldn't ride the Norco everywhere, you might find yourself not using the Bronson as much. I've got some burly schtuff right out the door so I'd never ride my xcm whip on some of those trails, but the mach 6 works alright.

Like what you propose to do with the Ripley (I really liked the older more trail oriented version and would love to get some time on a Ripmo), sorry... back on track, I have a lot of friends/acquaintances running lighter trail bikes w/ two fork (and wheel) options. Specifically something like the Pivot Trail429 with the fox 34 bumped up to 140/150 or swapped for 36 or an MRP ribbon and some ~30mm id rims for say Moab/Sedona and then SC34 and some lighweight hoops for marathon racing. I kinda like my race bikes to be light since most xcm courses are pretty non-tech (a few exceptions but generally) and my all day fun bike to be biggerer. ymmv

Good luck!