Lowering/Using H&R Springs/shocks for 2000 S - Any advice or exper

[Bruce in Philly]

US 2000S w/standard S suspension (not M030)

I broke the front driver's side spring - about 8", and am considering replacing all 4 springs and shocks. I have 135,000 miles on the car and plan on keeping the car forever so I think this is a good idea (anyone know how to stop entropy?). My goals:

1) Preserve the feel of the standard S suspension - I am not interested in a firmer ride (such as M030) as I like it the way it is - I live on and around horrible cobblestone streets and want to keep my fillings

2) Possibly lower the car 1" or less if I can keep item 1 above

3) I am nervous about changing the handling characteristics - OK to "improve" with improving being same roll and taughtness but a bit smoother is OK.

In my research, H&R part 29779 is the H&R recommended spring for a 986 Boxster all years. Any comments on these springs? I also heard these H&Rs are progressive. Comments on progressive springs? My mechanic noted that these springs will not change the performance characteristics but will be a bit smoother on my cobblestones due to their progressive nature. He says they are "better".

Lastly, my mechanic said he would use Bilsteins with these shocks but we did not talk about which model. I posted in the part number forum asking which was the correct Bilstein OEM part number for my car because BIlstein makes a HD and Sport model. Someone on PPBB said to use the Sport if I lower the car and HD if I don't and he noted the firmness is the same but the shock shaft length is differeent - however the Bilstein website made no reference to this but did say the Sport was firmer.

Oh, I don't think I am interested in the ROW M030 as I know it lowers the car but will make the car firmer, something I don't want. Is there a ROW standard S springs/shocks that will lower but perserve the ride?

Any insight here is fantastic. If I can't figure this thing out, I think I will have my shop just replace the 4 springs and shocks with Porsche replacement parts and be done with it.