I had the opposite experience, Gabriel ultra white shocks on my step-daughters grand vitara, and found them soft, no more controlled that whatever came off of it.
kyb is probably a safer bet in value.
IME monroes ride well but soften up more than you’d hope. Reflex and Sensatrak would be my suggestions there.
bilstein is $$ and I’ve been disappointed with a newer set which wore quickly
motocraft shocks are known junk in the f150 world. They are inexpensive but don’t last long at all. Avoid. Not worth the labor.
Bilstein has a life time warranty. Did you pursue that?