It is a funny thing life....I began riding in the 80's had hard tail rigid fork C-dale Beast of the east. Got first suspension fork 1" travel Scott elastomers, tried the flex stem, got real HT with good shock , then added a suspension seat post, then FS specialized FSR expert, now back to HT with good fork.
Suspension does make life easier but after 25 yrs of riding my favorite rides were back in the day. HT no suspension. I had far better skills on the trail....Suspension is great but Just ridethe bike buy what you can afford and enjoy.....if you plan to race then you will NEED to upgrade if not ride what ever...
have fun