Time to upgrade my Ltd's fork

[Fast n' Furious]

While my Ltd came with a nice entry introduction to the 'adjustable fork' world, I want to upgrade to something nicer.
I'm thinking 4 - $700 range, lighter is better, not MTB but perhaps a bit more travel.
A capable fork for pot-holed city day-to-day city work.
Other's have begun addressing for this but it seems to fizzle?
Some quality recommendations, experiences and the pitfalls encountered would be appreciated.

 

[Fast n' Furious]

I'm thinking a Lyric - but is too it wimpy?
I really love this Ltd. I can haul big groceries - in my 98L rear panniers - I've another 98L set I can lock the fork and use for the front if I need them - or in my little '12-pack groceries', quick-removable carry basket, I use for >10lbs.
These bikes are worth upgrading. Next step up from this machine is ditching an alloy frame.
Mid-drives sound GREAT - Until you discover the drivetrain is now taking ALL the stress (your rear hub used to eat) and have to be replaced every 2000miles. You can see a psych about that 'fear of tools' issue, or pay a $22hr technician to do it, but as Zimmerman said: You gonna have to serve somebody - the Tool God, or the local bike shop.
Cassette, ring gear, chain, derailleur, now have a >2000mile lifespan. There is no Valhalla angering the Tool Gods, only the pit, where bloodsuckers await. Lol.
I started my education on this machine having no idea how puny other street legal e-bikes were.
This MXUS Hub Motor is special.
Correctly set, the acceleration - using a twist throttle, coordinating with pedaling and proper shifting - is faster than city buses and blasts up steep, block-long hills.
With the controller wide open at 25A, the Motor pulls 860'ish watts.
If you fed it 1000w, I've no doubt it'd use it and produce 100nm. The performance ratio indicates @ 860w, the motor is cranking 86nm.
Once tuned and set up 'your way', this is a +$6k bike - for a total $4000 outlay.
But nobody changes the fork? LOL.
How about service the fork?
Maybe I'm a lone survivor, but at 70 next year, I'm blown away by the "I might break a nail" listlessness.

Always,

Fn'F