I went with Ohlins to save myself from too many "buy and try" scenarios. Yes, Ohlins are damn expensive, and there is probably a shock just as good, somewhere between stock and Ohlins. Maybe Progressive, or Werks I don't know. I do know I bought Ohlins once, and am done with looking for rear shocks.
Mark
I switched the stock air shocks on my 09 SERG To progressive 944, much better than the stock air. My 12 SERG came with the HD hand adjustable premium, about the same if not slightly better than the progressive 944.
The HD premium are around 549.00, the 944 were 650.00.
My Ohlin HD-159 were just under 990.00 installed and set up for my weight.
If the HD premium are 500 better than the stock air, the Ohlins are easily 700 better than the HD premium.
I would spend 1000 again for the Ohlin, I would not spend 500 again for the HD premium or Progressive.