As to dropper posts, I rode mtb without one for 25+ years and never saw a need. I even lowered the saddle using the seat post QR a few times and meh. Then in 2018 I bought a new bike which came with a dropper and I never want to ride without one again. It takes a while to learn how to use it, besides just descending. I lower it a little on tough climbs, too.
I like the bike but I would have paid more to get a higher level fork and better brakes. It's a Fox 36 fork and it's great except on long descents with stutter bumps, which is where the pricier fork would help. The rear shock and DW link knockoff suspension works fine.
Better brakes would help on certain steep descents.