THe only trail problem I see is that it sits lower so I would suggest using 22's in the rear for tires. I just raced mine in the desert and tore the heck out of the bottom because its so low. I raced it the next day and hardly hit the bottom.

 

Go with the YFZ. I just traded my 03 Raptor in on a YFZ and I love it. I ride trails, MX, and the dunes. It works perfect for me. You can soften the suspension up it you would like, but I didn't think it was stiff to begin with. The raptor had a plush ride, but if you jump you will bottom out the front. I have hit some big hills on the YFZ and have only bottomed it a couple of times. The Raptor seem to have more bottom end, but when you hit the mid-high range the yfz is awesome. Hope this helps, it's just my opinion.

Bryan