Well I've just spent the week ragging my 160mm Lyric equipped Bfe round the Les Arcs trails and it's been absofookinlutely AWESOME. I can't quite stick with the guides on their 7" full susses on the mega fast straight bits, but in the technical sections it is revelationary how easy it is to ride. Short light back end that is easy to flick around and big forks for absorbing the hits. Sure there's been a few bits that I've had to grit my teeth and hang on for, but overall it's just awesome. I've got my Turner out here, but frankly I can't be arsed to drag it around.
(with some frankly shite zocchis on)
…and being ridden…
Maybe they "don't make sense", but they sure as hell are fun, and I think my Bfe fits the clean image as well as any geared bike covered in cables and hoses can.