Those things (emulators) really work. I don't think progressive springs are as beneficial as some think they are. You buy expensive new parts, put them in, discover a noticeable difference and judge it as an improvement. Which it may be, but in old forks, the damping is the real trouble and emulators are cheaper. Many think that straight correct rate springs are the best if the damping is working. Keep your stock springs until you are certain you need/want them. First, you can significantly impact the "spring" you have by increasing the fluid volume. Less air space means that the pressure when the fork is compressed will go up - rapidly if you over do it, so there is a limitation. Get emulators, then get the sag (distance the fork compresses at rest with the weight of the bike and rider on board) where you want it (start with 1/3 of the travel) by spacing the spring to increase the pre-load. You can make them from some bits of pvc pipe, so very affordable and you can make a million of them to experiment. If you want more spring after that, add fork oil. Don't over do it, and measure with utmost accuracy. If you don't like it after that, figure out what you don't like and change springs accordingly. Race Tech makes superb pro quality shocks as well, though they are not cheap. If they are in your budget, you will get what you pay for though.