X-fusion make shocks and soon to make suspension forks… they make the shocks and forks that are branded by Specialized on their bikes. I’d expect their post to be pretty good – similar technology to the new RockShox one, but think it’s still cable remote.
Don’t think it’s out till next year though.
Pure racing do a separate remote lever kit which I think fits all their posts.
Know what you mean about GD – though you can remove the “Boot” which makes them look better, but you’ll need to service it more often. Servicing super easy on them though.
I’ve got a GD on my Bullit and a Joplin on the Superlight.
Joplin is certainly better looking, but has it’s flaws and isn’t as reliable as the simple workings of the GD.