OK, let me kick this dead horse 1 more time...

I'm looking for a very mild drop, 1 inch or less. (daily driver/girlfriend said "no" to slammed)

I'm down to the HR OEM Sports, Neuspeed Sof-Sports or the Spoon Progressives. I've got money for new shocks but I would rather keep my oem's if thier gonna give me 6-12 months of usuage after the install. My question is, can I expect my oem shocks to last longer with a mild drop/regardless of spring rate in comparison to say the Eibach Sportlines? (1.7+ inch drop or more)

My concern is looking like a dumbazz if I blow my factory shocks 2 weeks after installing the springs, then I bend over and dish out another $80 for installation of new shocks?

Any thoughts appreciated.....

98 EX