re: new forks
The forks hanging so far below the axle DOES make for getting them banged up pretty good. Obviously the 4" difference between the 'newer' forks and USD forks is going to make a difference in some rut or other.
re: Any pros to the new bikes?
Yes. Perimeter style (kx-like) frame. Improved KIPS system. BNG (bold new graphics!! ;) )
re: 200 better to build up
Pretty much. The more aggressive port timing of the 200 makes it a bit more of a screamer....as much as a kdx will scream, anyway. Put a kdx200 35mm carb (33mm oem) on a 220, and you'll still have the port timing issues.
You might check this out if you haven't seen it already:
http://justkdx.dirtrider.net/200vs220.html
I've never ridden a 220..but they reportedly can give you quite a bit bigger wallop on the bottom end than the 200. Still...the 200 can be tuned to give you a good bit of pull. You know that from your last bike (if you ever got to ride it :( )
Good luck!!
Sorry to hear about your bike.
May he/she/it/they roast in hell.