Did you try a Scout? That's the bike I'm eyeing if I don't pull the trigger on a new hardtail first.
I demoed a Scout and would have liked to take a Patrol out but didn't get the chance because they were all out. I'd put the Scout in the talk with a Spitfire… Super fun bike that's more than capable of taking on 95% of the Shore.
I recall thinking that it sprinted pretty well, noticed no pedal feedback, and all I really thought on the DH was it was fun and the suspension just worked. I also thought the BB was pretty low (330mm) and I'd have to pay more attention to pedal strikes.
I would probably go with the Patrol if it were me because of the extra forgiveness and save my ass factor with minimal weight penalty over the Scout… a little over half a pound according to Transition's site.