Originally Posted by veganbikes

I mean maintenance is not super crazy, the occasional pump of the shocks, some cleaning and a service every so often which you could do at or through your local bike shop and you would need to do it on a hardtail as well (just minus one shock). Cost I can see but maintenance is not anything major as long as you keep the correct air in your shocks you are pretty golden. You may have to replace some pivot bearings once and a while and do some service but overall not so ridiculous.

If you are riding very very infrequently I can see a full suspension bike maybe not making as much sense like in my case but if you are still a more casual rider but ride often on trails, I wouldn't put a FS bike out of the running completely. They are a lot of fun and I find a lot easier to ride or at least more comfortable which leads to maybe more confidence.