Interesting thread. I've been researching LR3's for a while and searched for about a year before making my purchase in order to get the perfect one. I've read numerous threads comparing the 2 and understand both sides, but I don't see why one can say it turns it into 'complete crap'. For overlanding/off-road and for daily use, the coil conversion is tried and true and is really the only way to insure you won't be sitting on the bump stops in the middle the trail (with the exception of the spacer kit and straps- which even then is not perfect). The LR3 I ended up buying is in excellent shape but I purchased it knowing one of the front bags is leaking and the compressor is weak. I figure I can replace the bag and rebuild the compressor for cheap, but long term, I'm just not sure I want to continuously replace parts. I love the ride the car has currently and is a big reason I am weary about going with the AB 2"+ kit as appose to fixing and adding Johnson rods or similar to fit some 32's I'm planning for.
What is intriguing about the AB kit is the ability to maintain all the traction control and off-road select features built into the LR with the exception of the EAS. I'm curious as to why you guys really think a coil-conversion destroys the driving characteristics of the LR. From my understanding, some LR3's came from the factory with coils, so there has to have been some engineering and R&D behind the concept.