Yes, go full squish and you'll be glad you did. Not only is the ride more plush, but the bike will be more forgiving if you have a bad line into some roots or a rock garden. I'm 65 years old and just started riding MTB with my 25 year old son (we are going to Moab in October). Great times and the only place I can't keep up is the climbs He has a 429 Pivot Trail, and I'm on a Santa Cruz Hightower LT.