In short, this common belief among new riders is false for all riders. Does not matter whether you are trying to win the TdF or trying to have fun around the neighborhood, either goal with be easier to reach if the bike is as efficient as is possible (within the other needs of the circumstances).

Put another way: biking does not get easier, it just gets faster.

Efficiency is the thing in cycling. For fun and for wins.

jim

p.s., I concur with your judgment about shocks. They are worse than useless for most riders in most riding conditions. And get the smoothest, highest pressure tires you can while you are at it.