I have no idea why anyone would have bought an earlier version of the Y.
The "comfort" suspension on the '23 MYLR is definitely on the stiffer side. And like you, I'm shocked to hear people say that the new comfort suspension is much better than the older stiff suspension the older MYs came with. I simply cannot imagine how horrible ride quality in those cars are. I don't mind the stiffness of the new suspension much since I prefer my cars have a stiff suspension instead of a wallowy one (like Merc SUVs for example). And pothole riddled roads don't help at all. But yeah. I definitely wouldn't call them "comfort" suspension
And the new M3Highland has a much better suspension. I test drove one a month back and was surprised at how a sedan has a much better ride quality than an SUV!