When you said Gnarly drops I was thinking about 5-6 foot drops. A cyclocross would deal well then for you're needs.

I can't comment on the Cannondale never ridden one, I personaly don't like the idea of front suspension on anything but my MTB since means more weight, but that is a personal opinion. But with basicaly 1 inch suspension I can't see it adding to much weight and has lockout so will help when riding roads. I own the Fuji Cross and so do a few others on this forum, it is a great bike. Good component group Shimano 105, and rides great despite being aluminum is not a real harsh ride.