I don't compromise much on the height and I don't run a dropper. I personally don't have a lot of problem dropping off the back of the saddle but everyone has their own style. You could lower but to make it of any use you will not be able to climb or hammer. Either get the dropper or learn to slide off the back. Or hoof it... It's good to keep speed in sketchy stuff..you can carry more speed than your CX because the bike will take more abuse especially with the front shock. Set the shock up properly for your weight..there is a manual online and you can fine tune with air pressure and damping more than likely. In bumpy terrain uphill, keep up your cadence, it provides you with more opportunity to recover from slides, but don't spin out from too much torque. Learn quickly to do a double-stutter type of pedal motion so you don't hit rocks or roots at the bottom of your pedal circle. In bumpy flat or downhill terrain it's good to have a lower cadence and absorb those bumps with your legs while you pedal..it's faster and smoother. Ride the berm in turns..don't panic and take the inside line..it only looks safer... More braking comes from the front brake no matter what terrain unless you're descending something very steep. As Amy says, when it gets really steep going uphill, stick the nose of the saddle up your butt and pull the bars close to your chest. That's the only way to keep the front wheel down. If it's bumpy and you're going fast, you may want to keep three fingers on the bar and one on the levers..those brakes can probably be locked with your index finger only and you'll have an easier time holding onto the bar. And don't lock your arms up all the time..no death grip..try to stay at least a little loose.
Look ahead, time your downshifts properly (shift earlier than you probably think..), pick a good line if possible and be careful if you're going through a creek where you can't see the bottom. You make mistakes and are more likely to fall or dab when you're tired.
Give way on the track..riders who you're holding up will ask for Track Left or Track Right..so try to stay to the other side..unless you think you're faster and can hold them off..which sounds unlikely..
Except uphill maybe. Most time lost in XC races is uphill, on rooted/rocky technical stuff and downhills, in that order. Almost all XC riders can go downhill reasonably quickly..but you can gain significant time on the uphills. It's hard to pass on single track so if you think you have someone, take him/her on the double track or wider open areas then hold them up in the single track if you have too. Just like road, passing on the uphill is the most demoralizing..especially if you wave and say "Nice day today eh?" in a very calm, unaffected voice..
And enjoy the beers at the end!!
