[s-cars] Bilstein shocks: "HD" or "Sport" with stock springs?

[Thomas Rodriguez]

I am getting ready to replace the OEM shocks and struts in my 1995 S6 sedan
with new Bilsteins.  I have done some reading about Bilsteins on the
Quattroworld forum and some parts websites, and I see I can purchase these
in either heavy duty (HD) or Sport configuration.  I plan to keep the
stock springs so I don't lose ground clearance (the roads in my area suck),
but I would like a stiffer ride for crisper handling.

Since I am keeping the stock springs/ride height, should I get the HD or
Sport shocks and struts?  If either will work, what's the difference in
drive feel between the two?  Some of the websites I've visited specify that
the Sport shocks are for a lowered suspension.

Are there springs available that would privide a stiffer ride without
losing ground clearance? Do springs "go soft" after 18 years, and would
there be any benefit in swapping my existing original springs for new OEM
springs?

Tom
'95 S6 (240k miles)