So as I'm reading up on the topic I see two opposite views being voice. One is that altering preload does not effect ride quality since spring rate is not affected and the other that it does since it alters force required for bump travel.

My understanding of preload is that more preload means more force is necessary to initially compress the spring and with that a harsher ride. Does that also mean more force exerted by the spring during the rebound and more bounce? And then by that logic would less perload be advantageous for driving hard on a bumpy surface or is there a significant enough decrease in roll resistance that some amount of preload is advantagous?

 

I think what you're trying to say is...

When the springs are compressed more, the ride quality is a bit rougher.

When the springs aren't as compressed, the ride is bouncier?

 

Sounds like you know the basics of spring compression.

Now to read into progressive vs. linear.