Chucky if you did manage to break a 09 model iam sure you would get a 2010 or 2011 model.I have a 09 spot and don't have any problems,5th Turner and will be getting a 2011 frame soon.
I have no problem on climbs with my 150 float not until my legs give up(lakes rides)downhill is good,15mm qr not as good as my 36 talas set at 160 with a 20mm hub but not bad.With the 32 float the bike is more lively + you have the lock out for steep road climbs.
I have a fox float 150 on my spot i also have a talas 36 that i use at 130 most of the time.I never liked the demo bikes with a 140 fork just never felt ok on the downs.
*cheeky alert* Your borrowdale bash route: well worth riding from rakefoot up and along above walla and falcon crags, descending to ashness bridge, but you didn't hear it from me.
Had a ride up Garburn today,past Dubbs to the top then came back down via Troutbeck,the trail above the campsite and down to Troutbeck is well washed out.
The Kentmere side is easy for them but i think they will find it hard from Troutbeck after the rain damage.I don't have a problem with 4x4s on Garbun,it was used by them for years.