If you want thoughts, then mine come down to no one bike is really right.
I have a FS, about 28lbs, a SS HT about 22 lbs, & a Ti 'rigid' with gears about 20lbs.
Without doubt the FS is the best bike for me, but I really do notice the extra weight, which means I can't go as far/fast, so if I want to keep up with others I take a bike that is not as much fun to ride, but allows me to keep up with the pack, sometimes I take the FS when riding solo, but I bottle stuff because I'm by myself (risk aware old ****).
TBH I know the answer is to get fitter & ride the FS all of the time, the reality is I just don't have the motivation 🙁
Biking is my hobby, not my life.