I would say that for a complex linkage system which soaks up the chatter of Whistler nicely, as you pointed out you will be doing a lot of riding there, I would choose a VPP or 4-bar design myself. It's whistler and you will be using the brakes. Obviously if you want to stick with a Norco they run a solid FSR linkage but in my mind if you want a bike that looks good I would personally pass on the '09 Norcos, I would also like to see how durable they are with the new lighter frames. I would say that a Giant Glory is one of the best DH bikes you could choose for the bike park. It's a tough frame and the maestro system soaks up the bumps under braking and all. Life time warranty, and a competative price for a high quality frame is why you see a lot of them in the bike park. I don't think I would run a first year Session 88 for a bike that will see a lot of bike park action.
.:NSTP:.