They don't look like coilovers. They ARE coilovers. So yes you did spend a lot of money on them. I would guess it's A-They are not set proplerly. The damper needs to be adjusted, the height that they were set at would also have to do with ride quality, if they were set to a drastic drop it would feel stiff. or B-You have never rode in a dropped car, which is what it sounds like from the way you describe shocks it sounds like you are a newbie to car mods. In that case, the coilovers (unless not adjusted correctly) give an awesome comfort/performance ride. You may just not be used to it.

PS avoid the potholes and bumps as much as possible. You won't regret putting these when you start taking corners and on ramps at 40+ mph while everyone else is slowing down to like 20 mph.