I actually think the title “mini-DH” is a bit of a misnomer because what we are talking about are bikes that are DH bikes, just lighter and more maneuverable ones.
I don’t think it’s a misnomer at all – it means exactly what you say – it doesn’t mean that the bikes are especially pedal-friendly. Just a bit less heft and travel.
Rode with an outrageously skilled guide on a TR250 in the summer, trying my best to keep up with him, thinking I was doing well, then realising that he preferred a bike with single crowns because he was nose-wheelie-ing around most of the corners.