Is it permissible to marry someone to whom one feels an emotional inclination and who promises religious commitment, at the expense of marrying someone who is more righteous and devout but towards whom there is no emotional inclination?

We can only offer guidance to help you make your decision and bear its responsibility. The fundamental religious qualities that must be present in a suitor are the soundness of his belief and religion, his observance of obligatory duties like the five daily prayers in the mosque, his love for religion, his avoidance of forbidden acts, and his eagerness for what is lawful. It is not a condition for him to be a devout worshipper or a student of knowledge. If these fundamentals are present in the first suitor, then his shortcomings in supererogatory acts should not deter you, and you may accept him after performing Istikhara. However, if he does not care about his prayers or is lax concerning forbidden acts, he should not be accepted. A lawful marriage will make you forget your previous attachment. As for his promise to you, let him first fulfill his covenant with Allah.