The point here is, with your suspension set up, you are as fast as you are. You're not limited to shitty bike performance. I may be the slowest in the pack, but I know it's because of me, not my bike. My "exit ramp" (read non-racer) speed increased dramatically when I got my suspension set up. I feel safer on the bike. Plus, one thing not mentioned so far is, braking is much more fluid and predictable with the suspension set for me. nothing wrong at all about back of the pack. a safe and controlled rider is who i would rather ride with than a fast and dangerous one. and for the record i was not directing comments to you at all, more towards the 99% rule of what people need or dont need, i did say the right setup is nice to have