I’m in the same boat as you Shinsplints. Picked up a secondhand 2008 Trance 3 for a song off ebay (£450).
Rode really well as stock, but making the following changes…
RS Revelation U-Turn 100-130mm.
Mavic 717 rear, 719 front rims with XT hubs.
Sram X0 shifters, X9 rear mech XT front mech.
XT brakes
Race Face Deus crankset.
RF Next SL carbon seatpost + WTB Silverado ti rail saddle.
Truvativ team carbon bars.
90mm Truvativ stem.
Here’s a shot with a few changes…

Rides really, really nicely. Very well balanced, perky and confident.
Back end feels like more than 4.2in and front seems to work best at 115 or 120mm – though wind the fork down to 100mm and it climbs almost as well as the Anthem it’s replacing.
Was perfect for the Dales and pretty good at Dalby too. The sort of bike that puts a smile on your face. I’m a big fan already.
Bottom bracket definitely low on mine, btw.