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What about the helper springs? Nobody ever mentions helper springs and the necessary preload. A good analogy is comparing them to the rev limiter in the ECU. A harsh rev limit is like a flattened helper spring preload. No give at all. When it tops out, the shock is so harsh you think something is broken. A too soft rev limit is like having no preload. When it tops out it's bobbing and weaving like a drunken madman.
The helper spring preload is essential to determining how the shock handles the upper limits of it's extension. Sure the helper spring is flattened out when the car is just sitting, but coming over a bump or rise is when that preload kicks in, smoothing out the rebound and keeping it in control.
Preload is also essential in setting up ride height in the shock travel. Too close to top or bottom of the shock travel severely affects handling, and many shocks are specifically setup to ride at a certain percentage of shock travel. This is why I must have adjustable mount coilovers. I don't want my ride height to be determined by the shock travel.
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