Direct mount gets you lower, its lighter, requires less steerer tube, and mounts directly to the top crown, it is stiffer, if you fork is direct mount compatible, it is something that you want to take advantage of and use.
You can use the stem you have, but the direct mount one would be better.
If you dont like the Hopes, I will buy them from you as a spare set for the price you pay for them from chain reaction. You will not be disappointed with them, everyone that has them, loves them. Search around on the forums, they are great hubs, Hadleys are nice, but they are kinda over priced in my opinion.