Been workin' the Ride the Divide Stumpy: What I'd change, what I like.

The journey building a full suspension reliable bikepacking bike, here an 06' Stumpjumper S-Works with Rock Shox Recon, reccommended by the Dirtlab in Colorado. i would do away with the expensive "XT Trekiing" & run a 3x9...or maybe a 2x or even 1x...The bike has a pretty short chainstay, and cramming on big chainwheels & lots of gears made shifting a challenge, but replacing the 3x10 XT Trekking FD with an Acera 3x9 made a huve difference: Great job tuning from Little Ades in Pekin there.
Just run a 3x9...or even a 3x7...idk bout that 3x10 Willis.

[@AlaskanInsights]

The shimano deore groupsets are good for the price. bullet proof.
I'm to old and lazy to run giant chainrings anymore. LOL