I bought the 2019 e150s before they landed on the strength of Guy Kestevans review and wasn't disappointed. I don't think you'll be unhappy with whatever you get, so my advice would be see what is available and provided it is really not what you want, eg 180 too much bike? , go for it.
Not been a problem so far, I might have to work on my bunny hops to avoid grinding them on rocks and roots. I think you would have to be really unlucky to snag a branch on the cables. Because they are flexible it's a reasonable option as opposed to having them fixed. I'm sure if there are many...
First ride out today and loved it. Much more of a bike than I am a rider but I am hoping to catch up. Climbs well, very stable, was able to point and go at the drop offs and descents. 20 miles round Hamsterley 2700 feet of climbing and only just dropped down to 2 bars, so should be able to do 35...