Thanks for the comments peeps has definitely got me thinking ... especially about my build ...
there is no getting around my geometry on the bullit for XC and hill climbing ... but I've now played with some tire changes (turfed the shitty Kenda blue grooves and replaced them with slightly over worn crossmarks ... hell fun of loose corners I tell you
) and got some slightly lighter hoops on the rear to replace the full on DH rims and I'm now much happier with its pedalling and acceleration.
but now I know I've compromised its FR and DH capabilities ... oh well, the search continues ... which is kinda part of the fun I guess.
BTW. I reckon a HT will never be the one bike ... I've got a Brodie Bigshot as well, which is the FR HT ... and although it can certainly do everything ... its no way near faster then the DH sled ... or as confidence inspiring at hucks then the bullit or even the stinky or as relaxing to ride fast as the Trance.