canuck477 profile

I used to think like you. I raced for years with post at full height. I didn't even use a quick release as I was a weight weenie. It did make me a better rider as I had to be very careful with line choice.
I also felt it was a big weight penalty to pay.
Well, my latest bike came with a dropper and I am now a convert. coming from flat to a long technical climb, I can lower it just a bit for better mobility over obstacles. I can drop it full at the top of a climb for the technical descent. And them back up for any climbs after that without killing my flow or momentum.
I have also changed my weight weenie ideas about tires and have found the wonder of fatter stickier tires that may weigh more but offer so much more traction.

I ride every trail he rides. And every line. But I do not ride them anything like he does!!!

Bought a Scott Genius this past November. Proceeded to modify it to my liking. It climbs better than my XC Ti hardtail and descends better than my Downhill bike on 98 per cent of the trails I ride. And nearly all 'Enduro' bikes will do that.

Uncle Dave's points are valid. But the two most important things holding us of the middle age back from being faster are lack of pedal time and the shrinking of the cajohnes that comes with age. To get back the first one you have to lose the things that keep you from riding. Lose the spouse if they don't ride. Or let them know you won't be around much. Forget house cleaning, yardwork. Keep your home very small with a big bike storage. Send your children off on play dates and sleep overs often. Get out of the car and ride to work. Make use of trails if possible or urban obstacles. Ride every day.
Now. You absolutely have to get back your Mojo. You can't do this by taking it easy. If your current riding partners are slow, so will you be. Ditch them and find someone younger and faster who will let you tag along. Never complain on a ride. Agree to ride or try everything especially if it scares you.
Oh, and trust in your newly purchased equipment. It is capable of more than you are.