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@t_w
I think the suggestions from others in this thread, @amey, make a lot of sense. Try and test ride a few hardtails with the geometry and wheel size you want so at least you have an idea of the handling and performance. I'd suggest riding something in titanium ideally, as differing materials can effect ride quality. Failing that, steel. Which would be a better approximation. Aluminium and carbon, if the designers are doing their job properly require different approaches.
Aluminium hardtails will always be more rigid than their steel or ti counterparts. Hence the utility of plus size tyres or 29er wheels on so many aggressive aluminium hardtails (though you get them on steel too), they really help take the sting out of a harsh ride.
I had a conversation with a Mondraker rep where they discussed how the Dune was designed around a carbon frame and the aluminium was an afterthought. The differences in performance between the two, from people I know who have ridden both, means that the aluminium version's performance is compromised. That's a full sus, I know, but it'll be true for hardtails to a degree too.