Well... I have a HT and FS. I ride xc, with not a lot of high technical difficulty. Can't recommend a bike as I have a feeling anything over here might not be available over there, and I really don't know the UK market. But while I can't offer advice, hey, this is a forum and I can offer an opinion!
From what little I know, it would seem from your description an FS is the bike for you (btw, I think you'll find recent FS bikes to be vastly different from 2005 designs and personally I'd recommend you give a modern FS a go to see what is different).... but: I totally see it, and I'd venture you are more likely to get a better HT for the price than an FS. There are times when I take my HT over the FS and vice versa, though again, no big jumps or highly technical sections for me. Then again, there are definitely times I take my FS over my HT. I have to say, it's nice having the choice, though I'll be the first to admit if I have a lot of rocks and roots, it's FS all the way and my first choice.
Got to also add: as you get older and those joints start to ache, it is nicer on an FS. Good luck with whatever you decide on, and what ever you get, if it makes you want to or ride more, then it's worth it!