Why would DH or "all mountain" type riding dictate if you're in need of FS or a HT?
I don't think that it does. I ride pretty much anything and everything and ride a HT.
OP:
I ride predominantly single track/XC, no downhill for me here in Florida.
I just brought it up because the OP said... wait a minute... I made no sense with that comment. Sorry, that was pre-coffee. Never mind. But I still feel that in his price range that a HT will give more bang for the buck now and later, but like I said, I don't know his specific circumstances, so your, or rather his, milage may vary.