garbage kyb's? never heard that before, most the members on here that use them & commented said they were a good stock type replacement shock & kyb in general get good reviews. you cant compare stock type shocks to upgraded bilsteins that cost twice as much. & if you do a search, theres are quite a few people that say the 5100s are a stiff/harsh ride... it all comes down to personal preference & what the vehicle will be used for.
sounds like you had a defective set if they leaked at 9000 miles, but thats what warranties are for.
i plan to use the kyb struts & shocks for a budget stock replacement to eliminate the x-reas in my on road only 4runner & have no reservations on using the kyb brand.