Good review this- I was looking for something similar last year, ended up buying a Devinci Atlas Carbon, which gave me a very similar experience as a first full-sus 29er, as a ride which is very capable downhill and in the tight stuff, but really light and efficient for longer rides.
The Devinci has a similar BB height and short rear stays. It has 110mm of rear travel, which has also felt enough in rough terrain. The head angle of the Smuggler is considerably slacker though. I’m running 120mm SIDs on mine, as it is my ‘XC’ bike, but I could build it with 130-140mm Pikes if i wanted burlier.
As I have a Yeti SB66 as well, I prefer the Devinci as a lighter trail bike, but if I was to have only one bike, the Smuggler would be ideal. Cable routing is much better too, as is the threaded BB…!
Edit- and I’ve also had the same comments- people thinking it was 650b until I told them!