The Maxton was surprisingly not much different in feel to the stock shock - as you have found.
I rarely take a pillion so as I say, no real advantage.
The big improvement was getting the forks done by Maxton. All the unpleasant front end harshness was pretty much solved.
The standard rear shock is fairly simple but according to Maxton, robust and designed to last 30-50,000 miles. Preload adjuster can seize as we know but most shocks are set and forget (which is why they seize).
Their own shock needs a service every 10,000 or so due to the thinner oils used and the lower friction (finer) seals.