Upgrading from a 2012 Giant Anthem to a Norco Sight C2 - Worth the money?

In 2012 I decided to enter the wonderful world of mountain biking. A good mate suggested I buy an Giant Anthem 29er - so I did. 7500 km later and I still love that bike. However, trails have become more aggressive and bikes far more capable. So a few months ago I decided it was time to upgrade. I borrowed (the same mates) Scott Genius 920 Carbon, but ended up buying a tricked up 2021 Norco Sight C2 Carbon. Was the substantial cash outlay worth it for the performance upgrade?
In this video I compare the 2012 Giant Anthem to a 2022 Scott Genius 920 Carbon and finally to the bike I bought, a 2021 Norco Sight C2 Carbon... I ride the same loop on each bike, including a nice little descent and an 80m easement climb as well as some single track.
Jump ahead to:
6:25 - 2022 Scott Genius on the trail,
10:45 - 2012 Giant Anthem on the trail,
14:43 - 2021 Norco Sight C2 introduction,
16:55 - 2021 Norco Sight C2 on the trail,
21:22 - 2021 Norco Sight C2 double-action shifters,
22:03 - 21:22 - final conclusions.

[@pescado99]

To Melanie: (UA-cam has issues at the moment with comments). "Can you do a video on how to stop the disk brakes from making noise when braking on the bike? What’s your thoughts on this issue? ( bicycle )"
REPLY
Disk brakes can squeal when they are wet, but most commonly when the rotors get 'any' oil them at all - even finger grease can cause squeeling. Easiest way to fix this is to use IPA (isopropyl alcohol) to rub the rotor clean with a lint free cloth. Sometimes a brake pad can also be 'just' rubbing against the rotor, even without any pressure on the brake lever. Easiest way to fix this is to loosen both caliper holding bolts, squeeze the brake lever, then re-tighten bolts, this will realign the caliper (you should also make sure the rotor is not bent/warped). Sometimes the pads can be contaminated as well - again with oil, muck or grease. I take the pads out and heat them over a gas (stove top) flame until they smoke a little, then let them cool right down and reinsert them. Also note when replacing pads that organic pads tend to run quieter than metallic pads. Brand new pads also take a few long gentle stops to 'bed in'.