I don't think there are any "proven" shocks except the stock ones for stock spring/wheel/tire combo. People here use many kinds of shocks with usuually stiffer valving and many have modified cars (larger, heavier tires for example)

KYB and Tokico made the originals in 1974. Gas shocks are for very rough roads so how did they work for you?

We have used all the brands including KYB, Koni, Monroe, Gabriel etc. See the huge list at Shocks. The Escort shocks are listed there

I've used Monroe gas shocks, they were ho-hum -- after two months, I put back on the original black KYB shocks. Though decades old they worked better to keep the tire in contact with pavement. The gassers were stiff and let the tire bounce over bumps. But then I had 100% stock Sunny with the light 12" tires