The KYB shocks sucked with big t bars on most any surface. Interesting write up.
Once I installed a set of good aluminum body shocks I never looked back. Gas shocks are for C bodies and pickuo trucks...and cars I can't afford to put good shocks on.
Sucked for ride or grip? Because that is sometimes different.
Which shocks did you end up going with?
Yeah, there is for sure more good options now, and there can be a big performance advantage. Also most modern shocks are "gas shocks" of some type. Bilsteins, gas-a-just, and even the fancy stuff like penske are all monotube design with gas pressure. The big difference is valving.