As a hybrid owner with suspension forks, a Trek DS 8.3, I would agree that you don't need the sus. forks for the off road you're talking about.At your size lowering the tire pressure should help. The sus forks add a few pounds of unneeded weight. I like the disc brakes on mine but they can be quite squealy at times.My lbs has been great dealing with that issue.The rim brakes on my road bike work great but haven't tried them in the rain which can be the big advantage of discs.

Good luck in your search.