I agree with Klien too. My first FR bike was a Kona Stinky. Its what got me into this whole FR mess. I rode the bike for about a year and ended up selling the frame eventually. I felt that it was too much bike for me. SO with the money from the frame I bought my Cove Stiffee and now couldn't happier then a pig in...well you get the idea.
I'd heard the opinion that a HT could make me smoother too. I relied a lot on the suspension to "correct" my mistakes. Now the HT makes me more aware of how I ride and land. I'm still learning and have a long way to go.
Now for XC. I want to get a FS frame. Don't ask me why but for long XC rides a FS bike won't be as hard on my body and I'll be able to ride longer.
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"No drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we're looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs. We should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed, and love of power." -P.J. O'Rourke