I've gotta admit some of the new stuff nowadays does look a bit thin and spindly, but materials, heat treating and the welds are a lot stronger... im no expert though...
I wouldnt buy one of those new retro rippers and use it at a skatepark cos its cheap and take race use, i wouldnt trust it not to fold in half!
Even the smoothest riders make mistakes you want summat you can trust if you have one heavy landing
You'd be better off with a secondhand set of forks that are made for the job for 50 quid...