Soooooo subjective, but suppose it doesn't hurt to give a few ideas... You're right to bin the mountain kings though!
Anyway, FWIW, I've tried numerous light/fast/grippy combos in the 2.2-2.3" category over the last few years and I finally think I've found my Holy Grail... Got a 2.25 Maxxis Crossmark on the back of my Genesis Altitude, and a Bontrager XR4 2.2" up front, both run tubeless on 26mm wide rims.
I've tried hard to unstick them, but even in the sopping wet north Wales last weened, they stuck like glue! Would say there's probably better tyres for out and out mud use, but this combo has now become my default 9 months of the year set I reckon...