I've never liked Monroe, just don't like the quality. KYB i guess its just a preference thing. They were always the bottom of the barrel when i was looking at struts for my Mustang. Obviously i had more choices there (i ended up going with Koni).
If i had to choose though i guess id have to go with KYB. I haven't been able to find a loaded one. If i cant ill just compress the spring. MacPherson are a hell of a lot easier and safer than doing the modified MacPherson on my Mustang.