Hi OP sorry for the late reply, fell asleep. Tbh I got the frame in late august and rode it until Nov, so cant really comment on bearings or linkage longetivity. I did put a little guard there at the back mind to stop mud spraying up from the rear wheel.
The frame is gorgeous, the build quality very apparent. The internal cables rattle a little but can be fixed easily with foam/sugru.
I am totally sold on long chainstays . 90% of my riding is lift assisted bike park and the bike is rad for that. I’ve got hold of a Zeb and i’m going to try 180mm at the front this summer. Keen to test it mullet too.