[Steve64]

I'm new here so I thought I'd through in 2 cents.

As far as a damper & spring combination TRD might be the best solution.
I believe we can agree that lowering the car with OE dampers might cause an issue. However, there does not appear to be a rash of blown OE dampers with after market lowering springs ( Scion Life has a post but other than that I haven't see anything else ).

IMHO the OP made a good choice, DF's, as the car has less rake & almost as good, sometimes better, on bumps & driveways ( we have some really bad roads here in MA ).

The perfect damper is a matter of taste. The TRD may be the best choice but the OE unit should give good service. It's all about load, I don't mean loading your car with bricks. We could have a long & involved conversation on this subject. It would take many pages...........

Bottom line, the OE should be OK. Not the best not the worst.