I'm running the stock 30t ring, and notice no pedal feedback at all. Don't believe the hype.
I occasionally flip the "whatever the fuck it's called" switch on the rear shock if I'll be climbing something with alot of rocks and roots that I might catch a pedal on. Keeps the shock higher in it's travel and may, might, possibly make the rear suspension a bit more firm but I don't even notice. Traction is slightly better when climbing without the WTFC switch but again this is barely noticeable and pretty standard on any bike.
I'm 5'11 long arms and legs I'm riding a large and it fits me very well, better than any bikes in the medium size I've ridden before over the years (most recently was a Devinci Dixon in medium size which was fun but always felt too short). I don't notice any problems weighting the front tire with this bike.
On my old Dixon (2011 model) there was noticeable brake jack when descending and on the brakes. Not a deal breaker, and not nearly as bad as true single pivot bikes I've ridden over the years but still there. Weagle worked some magic on the latest iteration of the split pivot design because that's all a thing of the past.
YMMV. I started riding bikes with canti brakes and 2" of elastomer travel "back in the day" when a 2.125 tire was fat as fuck. I'm not as picky as some (most) but have enough time on various bikes over the years to discern between a good bike and a not so good bike. This is definitely a good bike.