Hey all,
  Its time to replace my old struts and I'm looking for the right upgrade.  I don't want to drop the ride, it's a pain being as low as it is already.  I do want to improve handling, though.  Are stiffer struts the way to go?  Are adjustable struts worth the extra cost?

everyone has opinions on how to improve handling. stiffer shocks aren't really the best way to go IMO. meaning, if you get agx's dont run them at the stiffest setting with stock springs. bad handling and hard on the shock. you want to somewhat match the spring to the shock.
new shocks may improve the handling simply becuase your old shocks are worn. agx's are nice, koni's aren't worth the money for most people. kyb gr-2's are a great stock replacement at a good price.
strut bars, sway bars and chassis stiffening are good, easy ways to improve handling.

you can rent one at autozone..$40, bring it back and you'll get the deposit back.

i've got the GR-2's with stock springs.. and love how it handles..  needs a bit stiffer roll bar.. but the body roll isn't really detrimental to the handling due to the suspension setup..

shouldn't need to worry about the plates or boot kits.