The forks in the Suntour XC range are heavy, don't respond that well, are virtually unadjustable and pretty much unservicable. Suntour do better ones, like the Epicon range but not many fit them. Also the Suntour XCR forks seem to have a better spring in them but the rest still applies. Your best bet is to plan to replace them with an aftermarket unit asap or, as you said, up your budget.
The trouble with saying you'd be better off without them is finding a bike which is rigid and rigid is an acquired taste, so personally I'd plan to replace them later if your current budget won't stretch. A 2nd hand pair of reasonable Rockshox, like a
Recon, can be had for a 100 quid.
As I said on your other thread, the XC28 is still better than the Suntour XC range but as that review says, they're bouncy and flexy but at least they work.
