I think 'light' suspension for a gravel bike is fine but not for racing and probably why no pro uses it. But for the weekend warrior, it sure keeps my hands from numbing and is more comfortable. I say this is a 'go.'
But dropper posts? I see no need on a gravel bike. If you are riding a gravel bike and you need a dropper post, you're either riding on the wrong trail or the wrong bike, ie. you need a MTB.
As to the XPLR groupset, I'm fine with it and getting it on my upcoming Lauf True Grit. I thought the point was that it's relatively light. I doubt SRAM fixed the disc brake performance.