I'm not refuting that, just the idea that hybrids are "usually garbage" - when in fact depending on the rider and type of usage, they can be incredibly adaptable and maybe more importantly, practical and comfortable bikes. I'd also argue they're the safest simple default for confused beginners while they figure out which end of the spectrum they want to end up on.
A beginner on a trail on a CX is eventually known as an in-patient.
And realistically, the geometry of a decent hybrid is going to be much more useful on serious dirt hills, with the right tires.
This is my baby, although I've made a few edits - better saddle for centuries, riser for the bars because I am shaped like a weird monkey/t-rex, half-sided SPD pedals, and new grips, endbars and a Garmin GPS.
