I just got one and like it a lot. I'm coming from a 2000 Belmont and the first thing I noticed was the softness of the landings. I think CWB is onto something with that center spine deal. Other than that, I can't comment further because I've only been on it twice since receiving it for Xmas.
The Freedom/FLame is the '03 Absolute, but with less rocker. Freedom has 2.25" of rocker, Flame (140cm)has 2.45" and the '03 Absolute has 2.70" of rocker. I'm thinking they wanted the Freedom/Flame to be a little faster with the Absolute mold.