Fork stays in compressed position while locked So I recently replaced the stock suspension forks on my Giant Cypress Hybrid with a Suntour CR9 Lock-out fork
I noticed that (like my mountain bike with a Manitou fork), I can engage the lockout while the fork is partially compressed, but unlike the mountain bike’s Manitou fork, the Suntour does not return to the top position when un-loaded while locked. Instead it will remain in the position it was when I locked it.

My question is, would I be risking damage to the Suntour fork if I ride it while locked out in a partially compressed position? Or should I make sure to return it to its top position before locking?

(It may be relevant to note that the pre-load is adjusted with the same lock-out lever)
Many forks work that way.  I have a Pace fork that would lock in any position.  By locking in a compressed position, you get a bit better geometry for climbing (lowers the front end).  I doubt that you will hurt the fork riding in a locked/compressed/partially compressed position, but a quick check of you owners manual could probably confirm this.