Carbons not the material to fear if you get it from someone who knows how to make carbon. Scott and Specialized both make a great carbon product and Scotts stuff is amongst the best.
I have a quiver of carbon bikes, my favorite is still the Spark. My 2007 Spark is still working beautifully. I blew up a Nude shock on the BC Bike Race this year but it was 3 seasons old. I find I only use the lockout on tarmac or FSR sections and only use full travel when i'm into uber techy or grarly descents…traction mode works well for almost all trail conditions I've ridden on that bike, so I dont feel that you have to keep switching between modes.
That said, my next spark (or upgrade on this spark) will be an RP23…The new 120mm fork geometry with an RP23 will make the bike a perfect all round do everything Whistler/Squamish race able trail bike which will suit my riding perfectly.
I also have a 2009 Genius, found it tricky initially and was left a little deflated on the first few outings but after ride 4 I think, I finally clicked with it. I didn't ride it before I got it (which is silly) although if I had, I would probably be missing out on what is a super versatile bike.
So, if you like to pedal with the odd trail center trip and fancy yourself as a racer – Spark. If you like to pedal with the frequent trail center visit, like a longer travel option when the going gets rough and might race the odd enduro or social event – Genius.