Trek Factory Racing signed with Rockshox and Re:Aktiv is a Fox/Penske patent, think the switch is more to do with sponsorship. Even then, the high spec Top Fuel doesn't have the RE:Aktiv damper on it from factory, but the 9.8 and 9.7 seem to get it back (weird!
If they believed in it why not spec it on the top bike?).
You gotta admit, for the money, the Trek's come with a better spec and are just a prettier bike
meh, never like the look of em except the old session 10 dh tank. All the treks I saw come through the shops I worked in worked terribly. Nothing special at all, especially comparing them to giant, specialized and merida. I'd take giant and merida anyday. Giant don't jump on new trends especially quickly, but what they do release works and is finished nicely. Not to mention you an get them cheaper!
It's not uncommon at all to pick up giant's cheaper than retail either dude,watch em drop a grand below retail come new model time. especially at the end of the 3 year frame cycle they do. just gotta walk into the store, not look around online.
https://www.trekbikes.com/au/en_AU/.../fuel-ex/fuel-ex-7-29/p/23590/?colorCode=grey
or spend the tiny bit extra and get the GX kit, Bontrager Line 30's and with a BUPA card a -15% to the RRP.
https://www.trekbikes.com/au/en_AU/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/fuel-ex/fuel-ex-8-29/p/23593/?colorCode=reddark
I think most of the RE:Aktiv issues have been sorted now anyway, it's the Thru Shaft stuff that's been having failures lately, but only the Rockshox ones on the Slash and Remedies, the Fox Thru Shaft stuff on the top spec Fuel EX hasn't had the same reported issued (but this might be more from a lower use rate).
Personally, I won't take that gamble. Proprietary shit that doesn't work any better, and lower reliability rates? no thanks