I concur; there are different types for different riding styles, and without knowing what your style is, it’s hard to say what your needs are.
Myself, I am more of an urban cyclist. Much of my riding is on smooth pavement, but Seattle has bad enough roads in places that the potholes make a road bike a losing proposition. I also hit enough dirt, gravel, and grass, and hop enough curbs, so mountain bike it is.
Steady speeds of smooth pavement is the only time I actually use the seat, so how much shock gets transmitted to the seat is not a concern for me, Any time it gets too rough or I need power (hills, sprints, gravel pits….) I am up out of the saddle with my elbows loose enough to let the bike pivot and shake underneath me. I strongly prefer instant, crisp response and find suspension to deaden things. It’s like riding drunk or with Novocaine. Hard tail is the only option for me, and I prefer rigid forks as well.
However, that is in part based on my riding needs, partly on my riding style, and partly on my personal preferences.