Thanks guys,
not much dirt around my area since it's been dry as a bone, but here's a report on "first mud": i'm not sure if its the shock's propedal, but i haven't felt much difference in acceleration/power transfer from my hardtail, and pedal bob is pretty much un-noticable. havent taken big drops yet but 2-3ft has been smoothly chewed up by both front and rear ends, so much so that i've gotten sloppy at my drop-offs and trusting in the bike's durability. chunky but agile - they mean it when they say it can climb just as well as it goes down. so far only complaint is the lack of a quick release seat clamp and my having to get used to such a high bb/centre of gravity. I think it's ideal for all-mtn duties with consistent drops.