The preload concept is the same as preloading your springs. The more preload you use the more intial force it takes to get it to move. It can give a firm feel, but still soak bumps. It's kinda cool...you know how you get on a bike thats too stiff or feels really firm and you go "man this is gonna be harsh", thats what it feels like but it soaks the bumps. So in my opinion..done right, there may be a control advantage in it. However, the amount of preload becomes critical. But, I think there is potential in it but it sure wouldn't be for everyone. I think it works best with heavier vehicles myself...so far anyway. For super aggressive riders it may be good. What I keep wondering is this concept is nothing new, it's been around a long time, and there has to be good reason why nobody has adopted it in the dirt world. However, there is some things I want to try with it, such as different styles of valving build. Thats where I think the answer lays in it. If I get the gumption again this next season, I'll do a full blown assualt on this and report on it. Maybe I'll begin gearing for that as I may not be racing much this next season. I'll try to get more time with this and see what shakes out.
And Russ, I did mean rider speed, as I know when crawling around sometimes in the woods, a firm intial feel might not be the ticket. For a guy that is gonna hammer on it hard all the time it might be better. Woods riders, especially lesser skilled, like a very plush feel initially, but want the bottoming resistance and whoop control as well. Honestly, I think woods guys are the hardest to satisfy overall.