294's base for
2007 and
2008 (along with the
2007 summer prototype) were all extremely stiff by the nature of their design. All had 3/16" of center wheel drop, and were all very maneuverable (in the hands of a good driver; I didn't make the 2007 base look great). I hope this provides some anecdotal evidence for you.
I think your idea of stiffness changing the manueverability makes a great deal of sense.