My opinion on this is well outdated, in that I haven't seriously ridden an MTB since the 90's. At the time I had a low/mid end GT with a rigid fork and preferred it monetarily as well as ride quality over bikes with (fork) suspension in a self considered reasonable price range at that time. Everything out under a crazy price point was clunky and heavy, or just a spring in a tube (still not uncommon). IMO then and to a point even now, most of the low and mid end components remain so.
With that said, much of the newer (high end) stuff out is essentially redesigned motocross suspension. You can take a full run at a curb and just ride over. Crazy to have considered that 20 years ago.