I'm racing/riding the XC Team this year. As this is my first full suspension, I don't have a lot of comparison to make with other FSers (test ridden quite a few though) but I'm enjoying the bike so far. I think the only difference between mine and yours is a negligible weight difference (since it seems to have the same rear shock).

It doesn't seem to loose efficiency over the hardtail I had (b/c of the Horst link?). It sure does smooth out the trails though. The best thing I can say is I hardly notice it has the rear suspension. The only time I felt peddle bob was when I left the rear shock "locked" out and I was hammering. I thought something was strange as the ride was also rougher. When I got done with the trail, I looked down to see the lockout engaged.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I'm enjoying mine. It takes a little time to set up the air in the shock (and fork for me) but once dialed-in, it's nice...