Cyclesafe, I get what you mean there. Ideally I should be able to spot ALL potholes before I send the front wheel packing into it, while I keep the front suspension "alive" and active throughout so that I don't kill my wrists. A little of XC riding skills - at least by leaning back on the bike to offload the front wheel at the point of impact, would help - i hope!

If I can sum up how I intend to ride ideally... it is to ride my bike as if it's a rigid, but always having the free travel on the front end to save the wrists. Ideally!