I disagree with the lighter comment, I think the YFZ has the potential to be a lighter machine at race ready - kicker only, no wiring, etc.. You can probably get one to 365 or so wet, while a Cannon is looking at 375 or so. The difference is marginal but the weight advantage is for the YFZ.

The Cannondale prices rock right now, and you can put a lot of money into one to make it reliable and still have more in your pocket than buying something else. That Blaze is a good example - you could put 2 grand in it to make it reliable (extreme of costs) and then you already have so many aftermarket parts to be XC ready. That is why I wound up with mine, it was by far a better value for me, personally.