Generally I just look for KevP coming by as this tends to be within .001 of the lights going out!!
Skids, I would say that kind of confidence loss can only come from the front end, why not give the forks an overhaul?
My rear shocks rebound is a bit bust and it doesn't recover how it should but doesn't really fuss me but probably makes the tyres work harder. However given my riding style if the front was a bit off I think I would end up a lot off (the track)!