Mixed opinions? Can you please post some links? I been monitoring thread's since 2003 and next to the S-tune setup, all the owners that have the D-spec shock and spring setup like the setup. Would it be the best choice for everyone, no. It doesn't use spring rates too much stiffer then oem, nor does it have rebound only tuning.

Based on what the OP want's Koni's would take too much out of his budget. And no spring exists that isn't progressive in the drop range he's after. In addition, having owned Koni's and driven on the D-spec shock, the D-spec offers a better ride quality, which the OP specifically asked for. Yes, the Koni's would perform better in auto-X. But I don't see someone striving to podium, but have fun whenever he does go to events. With the D-spec shock and spring get, he gets excellent damping, modest linear spring rates, somewhat closer to the drop he's looking for at a price that let's him still have money to add sways and rear camber/toe correction.