I have a 26er Hardrock. My first and only MTB which I have gradually upgraded as budget allowed: forks, brakes, single chainring, wheels (WTB singleduty hub on Mavic EN321), decent wide bars and short stem. I absolutely love it. When I started on it, I was being beaten up by the trail, which is exhausting. Time and practice has made the whole thing smoother.
I am 6′ 3″ but when I hopefully get a bike on my (very low) budget in the next few months, it will be 26. Almost certainly a Commencal Meta AM or SL. If I could simply swop all my stuff onto a new Commencal frame, I’d do that but the rear hub spacing on the frames needs 142×12 not 135×9. Also, it is hard to get 120-140mm forks in 9mm QR to fit the wheels my wife bought me as a gift.
It would frustrate me to have two bikes and no possibility of swopping wheels, tyres between them. Also, very rocky twisty trails around me and I like the 26. I have sat on 29ers and felt too high up and cumbersome. Probably would take a bit of getting used to.
Although everyone is saying you get nothing for 26er stuff, I have not seen much evidence of cheap 26er frames or wheels or forks. (in a size Xl, ahem).
I do have a beard.