I did not even consider them as far as my MTB purchase because of their designs and looks over the years, mainly the headshock and lefty stuff.
Call me too into looks, but I think their MTB's always looked stupid. While looks are not the reason one should buy a bike, they can easily be the reason they do not include one in their comparison.
I LOVE Cannondale in the road market - probably the best Alum frame out there and some great deals.
Like this bike . .
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/CUSA/model-8VP0.html
May be a great performing bike, innovative design, etc - but that looks dumb.