If you only want to go fast, everywhere, just get the Intense Sniper. It’s a head-down, arse-up speed machine. Picking your way down a nadgery rock trail, or bumping off tabletops is not where it shines, though it can more than hold its own on the bumpier stuff, but where it’s at home – on a race course, or just on trails you didn’t think you could ride any faster - it really excels.
It’s expensive, yes, but you can spend a lot more money than this and still not come up with anything better. There’s nothing unique or bespoke on the frame and there’s no reason it couldn’t continue to be upgraded as parts wear out. Given the fun we had riding the Sniper, you’re going to be wearing out a lot of tyres, chains and grips as it’s a bike you want to ride day after day.