Alternatives to KYB?

Yup, those are the Hotchkis shocks. Those are the non-adjustable version, just like the set I have on my Duster.

I only bought the Hotchkis shocks because I had a chance to pick up a set second hand for a pretty good price. I was pretty happy with the Bilsteins. I did notice a difference going from the Bilsteins to the Hotchkis shocks, and it was an improvement, but the Bilsteins worked well enough that I still recommend them. Especially if you're not going to go really huge with the torsion bars. But it was definitely a noticeable improvement.

As far as the UCA bushings, the Moog 7103 offset bushings allow for more caster, which makes it easier to get more modern alignment #'s. It shouldn't change the ride quality a bunch, but using more modern alignment numbers definitely improves handling, so it does improve the overall experience. By more modern alignment specs I mean in the ballpark of -.5* camber, +3 caster, and 1/16" to 1/8" toe in.