Well now, I did say you should measure your compression to make sure that they would fit. They shouldn't be a problem given that they are under 15", and you can't fully compress the front end anyway with the stock setup.
Sure you can - just not articulating, but at 30mph, it can be done....
Glad to hear you're happy with the ES9000's, I'm thinking about getting a set in 14" travel to replace some damaged 9000XL's, cause the price is 2 for 1, and I liked the ones I had on my 40, I just HAD to have the latest greatest XL when they came out....