I want to use the hard tail for winter dual/SS duties, 24hr endurance racing, fun at the local jump/pump track (Jump track is 15mins away, nearest trail centre an hour (Cannock), nearest proper natural terrain hour and a half, Peaks)) and maybe sometimes as just an alternative for a different feel, most likely to be an Evil Sovereign, it will have hammerschizzle (Dual/SS or geared) and tough wheels.
I calculate the weight of the hardtail will be 29lbs with 36’s geared (1.5lbs lighter with a 150 Rev), the Nic is 34.5lbs uber knarly with the CCDB, Dropper post, hammerschizzle and mavic 823s, 760 bars up from the 32.5lbs with air shock, flow rims, std s/post but it rides wicked in the rocks and roots 🙂
So I agree right fork for the bike but I think either would be fine….