Which Steel Hardtail for XC?

Gang.

I currently have an absolutely wild Commencal Meta HT with a Lyrik Ultimate, 29er. It can shred, but it is big and heavy. I also cannot get to trails with it often, and in order for me to get to dirt I have to ride at least 20 miles. I'm a big steel fan, every single one of my bikes is steel, except the Meta obviously. I want to replace it with a steel XC rig. Quad butted frame, 120mm Sid Ultimate setup that I can 1) go far with and 2) absolutely shred with. I'm having a hard time figuring out if there's anything out there that fits my needs and am looking for suggestions. I often see the Esker Hayduke and Japhy mentioned, but I'm not sure if there are better options out there. AFAICT the Hayduke has near identical geo to the Fairlight Holt (which was coincidentally my first choice). There is also Ritchey sleds, but those seem to have some really old school geo that I'm not sure I'd be able to get as shreddy with like the others I've mentioned with a slacker head tube. Please help me make a choice :)