^^^ have you bled them yet? I just yesterday got a bleed kit and plan to do it soon. Watched the vid from Park Tool and it gets quite involved
Agreed, the hydraulics are great if you need them. They're on my fatbike with 180mm rotors (which is pretty much a dedicated trail bike now) and I absolutely love them for that situation. Levers are a bit soft so I know there's air in the lines. The bike sat for 4 years.
Gravel bike has mechanical discs with 160mm rotors which are just OK but no real need for instant braking where I ride with that anyway. Might try a 180mm rotor in front and see if that improves things.