Pace cycles made CF suspension forks for years over in england I had a couple of them (a set of RC35's then a set of RC36 proclass), the lowers were certainly tough enough.I refuse the believe that forged carbon fiber isn’t viable for lowers, especially for one of the companies that would have monthly sales counted in dozens.
*edit*
They still make a version as an xc retro fork!
Pace RC36 new fork
Pace RC36 Hollowform fork | Brand new | Coil fork | 80-100mm travel | Full steerer 230mm 1 1/8 | Remote lockout | Fully serviced and 3 months warranty.
pacecycles.com